PricewaterhouseCoopers' top ten tips for disability confidence

EFD gold member PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) has a Disability Network, whose staff gave ideas for a short video about disability confidence. Here are their top ten tips for disability confidence: 

1)    Respect my privacy

Let the disabled person themselves decide whether to tell others about their diagnosis, condition or impairment. No-one else can make this decision for them.

2)    Look at me

Look at the person you are talking to, not their support worker or personal assistant.

3)    Keep an open mind

Some disabilities are not easily visible. Many more people have a condition that you cannot see. Don’t make assumptions about whether or not people have a disability based on what you can see.

4)    Keep presentations short

Give handouts so that people have notes to refer to. Ask yourself: is all the detail really necessary and useful?

5)    One size does not fit all

Make sure your communications style is flexible so it can meet different needs.

6)    If you are not sure what someone means, ask

You may not always understand what someone is trying to communicate via email or during a conversation. If in doubt, ask them.

7)    Lend a hand

A disabled colleague may sometimes need a hand: don’t be afraid to offer to help.

8)    Check your understanding

Don’t make assumptions about a disabled colleague’s needs: it’s always best to check how you can be of most use. For example, you might not need to open a door for a colleague who uses a wheelchair, but you could carry a heavy file.

9)    Introduce yourself to new people

It helps to know your colleagues’ names and not assume everyone knows each other.

10)   Clear space = clear thinking

Keeping your desk space clear and tidy will help make the atmosphere more pleasant for everyone.