Support persons may provide one or more types of assistance.
Transportation
Guiding a person with vision loss
Adaptive communication (e.g., Intervenor for someone who is deafblind)
Interpretation (e.g., ASL/English interpreter, LSQ/French interpreter)
Note-taking, scribe or reading services (usually coordinated by disability or library services offices)
Personal care assistance
Support persons in the event of a seizure (e.g., protect from falls)
Interpret and speak on behalf of someone with a speech disability
Tips
When interacting and communicating with someone accompanied by a support person, here are some things you can do.
A person with a disability may not always introduce his or her support person. If you are not sure, it is appropriate to ask, “Is this your interpreter or support person?”
Although it can feel a little awkward, speak to and look directly at the person with a disability even though the message may be coming from the support person.
Address the person appropriately: “What courses are you taking this year?” as opposed to “Can you ask him what courses he is taking this year?”
Remember that support persons, especially interpreters, tend to communicate everything to the person. Avoid engaging in “side” conversations with the interpreter, thinking these won’t be conveyed to the person with the disability.
Plan for the presence of support persons, e.g., help facilitate the interpreting process by reserving seats of persons who are deaf and by allocating space near presenters for interpreters.
Where possible, provide written materials both to the person with the disability and the support person.
During event planning, note the location of washrooms that will accommodate persons with disabilities and their support persons.
Did You Know?
Do you remember our discussion of universal design in the first module, Understanding the AODA and the Accessibility Standards for Customer Service?
You may have noticed universal washrooms in some new buildings. Universal washrooms are an excellent example of accessible design that meets the needs of persons with disabilities who may be of a different gender than their support person. Parents with young children or persons who use mobility aids also benefit from this design.
    |
Resources | Map | Back | Next |