GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR WORKING
WITH GIRLS WITH DISABILITIES
Your attitude toward the girl with a disability will help shape the person’s attitude toward herself and others.
Have a confident attitude and expect good results. She will usually live up to expectations if you are realistic in setting goals.
Arrange equipment so that she will be able to use it independently – i.e. putting spoon on right hand side of bowl (or left side if she is left-handed).
Never be bored, you must have interest in the task. Like and enjoy the challenge.
Try to establish a definite routine to which she will become adjusted.
Never give her the idea that she may not have to do it. Be careful of your phrasing. Instead of saying, “Shall we sit down now?” Say “Sit down now,” in a matter-of-fact way, but definitely and firmly.
Be consistent in enthusiasm and encouragement or she will become confused and lose interest.
Use praise wisely: (a) praise a lot in the beginning; (b) praise in proportion to the effort expended by her; (c) when she becomes more adept, diminish praise; (d) be consistent.
Teach her by example. Take advantage of the tendency of children to imitate their elders. Show her the correct way to do things. You are her “model”.
Do not tire her. Watch carefully for fatigue and then help her. BUT, first explain why you are helping her.
Be interested in the progress of a habit and not merely in the end product.
Encourage independence in her; don’t help her too much.
Help the person to see the best in others. Good social adjustments depend in large measure on the individual’s favorable relationship with other people.
REMEMBER: Practice, a sense of humor and ingenuity are invaluable in working with all people.
Do you have suggestions and/or advice to share based on your experience working with differently abled populations? Please share them here!
