Prioritize Communication When Assisting People with Disabilities

Jakarta - The sight of people helping a visually impaired person walking alone in public areas is common. Especially in a communal nation like Indonesia, mutual assistance has become a characteristic of its people. However, such good intentions sometimes miss the mark or are not aligned with what the visually impaired person actually needs. This misunderstanding is usually caused by a lack of communication between the helper and the person being helped regarding the form and method of assistance required. Often, when people see a visually impaired person walking alone, they immediately make assumptions about the type of assistance needed. For example, when someone using a white cane stands at the side of the road facing the street, people assume they want to cross. Without asking first, the visually impaired person's arm is immediately taken, and they are led across the street. However, the visually impaired person might not want to cross; they might want to hail a passing public minivan (angkot) or bus. Therefore, it is important for people to prioritize communication before offering help. When you want to speak with a visually impaired person, start by gently touching the back of their hand and asking how you might be able to assist. Touching the back of their hand helps the visually impaired person immediately realize that your question is directed at them. Perhaps the visually impaired person does need help, or perhaps not. Your initiative to ask not only helps you understand their needs but also assists visually impaired individuals who might indeed require help. For instance, if they want to hail a public minivan (angkot), a sighted person is usually needed to stop a passing one. Because they cannot see or are unsure if anyone is around, they usually remain silent. Furthermore, if they do require assistance, ask what kind of help and how they prefer it. For example, if a visually impaired person needs help crossing the street, do not immediately pull their hand and lead them across. They might remain silent about your assistance, but that doesn't mean they are comfortable with your method of helping. It's best to first ask them what method of assistance they find comfortable. For example, what is the correct and comfortable hand position when guiding a visually impaired person. Often, driven by good intentions, people immediately pull the visually impaired person's hand. However, the correct way is to allow the visually impaired person to grasp your upper arm. This is a safe and comfortable standard because the visually impaired person can hold on firmly and simply follow your steps. Once again, prioritize communication when assisting a visually impaired person or any other person with disabilities. They are also human beings who deserve to be respected through communication, even if you are the one offering help. In fact, there are many more examples of inappropriate ways to help people with disabilities. I will share them in the next post. That's all for now. If you have any questions or feedback, please leave them in the comments section.(DPM)