Handout 4: Constructive Communication
Your communication will foster inclusion if you:
- See the person first, not the disability.
The Home Visitor - She squatted down and said hello to him. She looked him in the eye and put out her hand to shake his hand. Then she said, "How do you like Head Start, Joey?"
- Focus on the whole child.
The Bus Driver - She almost always has something good to tell me about Joey, like. "He has a great sense of humor," or "He is so generous with other kids."
- Treat the child and family the same way you treat all families.
- Get to know them as individuals.
- Listen to them. Don't make assumptions about what they want or need.
- Get to know their strengths.
- Don't make exceptions because you feel sorry for them.
- Are genuine.
The Cook - He came over and introduced himself to me. He seemed a bit uncomfortable, and said, "Joey and I are buddies. I don't know much about Joey's problems, but if I can make Joey something special or help out, let me know."
- Show by words and actions that you care - that you accept, respect, and support them.
- Empathize. Listen and understand from their point of view.
- Know about the rights of people with disabilities so you can be an advocate in the program and the community.
- Other: ______________________________________________________________________________