Fundamentally, providing effective healthcare requires clinicians to be respectful of client’s preferences, which particularly resonates for people with a disability (Lezzoni, 2016). Studies indicate there is a higher risk of experiencing inadequate communication with clinicians, which compromises their health outcomes (Smith, 2009). As a future occupational therapist, I will adopt an appropriate level of communication catered to the client to ensure they feel comfortable, supported, and not defined by their disability.
Animation illustrating effective and poor communication with person with a disability.
Video showing the importance of talking directly to a person with a disability.
Video giving information about basic disability etiquette.