Disability & Cultural
Awareness
Ant Sutcliffe & Maureen Cook
Core Aims & Session Plan
• Multicultural Quiz – Awareness of cultures
• Disability Equality Quiz – Terminology and Delivering
Equality
• Summary
Multicultural Quiz
• Listen to the question, answer on the sheet provided
• Swap sheet and mark
• Like that quiz proved, it is hard to understand everything
about the cultures others may have come from or the
customs they adhere to
• We work with colleagues & young people from massively
diverse backgrounds
• Be aware of any religious or dietary requirements, don’t make
a ‘big deal’ out of any situation when this may arise.
• Be aware of terminology referring to Social Background
Terminology
Genuine examples of bad use of phrases
• “The weather is a bit gay today”
• “Them kids from that school from Chell were a
bit chavvy, today, weren’t they?”
• “Don’t listen to what Dave said, he is a right
retard”
Disability Equality Quiz
• Disabled students are entitled morally and legally to fully
participate in our community. The golden rule for interacting
with a disabled person is the same as interacting with anyone
else – treat the person with kindness, respect and as an adult.
• You may have some questions about how to approach and
communicate with a disabled person. This quiz may help you
to make some choices about your interactions when meeting
a disabled person. There may be more than one correct
answer.
Question One
What is the most appropriate terminology for someone who is
disabled?
a. Person with a disability
b. Disabled Person
c. Person with special needs
d. Differently abled person
Question Two
A person who is deaf is referred to as:
a. Having a hearing impairment
b. Someone who is hard of hearing
c. d/Deaf
Question Three
When meeting someone who is deaf and is
accompanied by an interpreter you should:
a. Maintain eye contact with the person who is deaf
b. Maintain eye contact with the interpreter
c. Look back and forth between them
Question Four
When assisting a person who is blind/partially sighted
you should:
a. Be specific with verbal instructions and give
approximate distances
b. Point in the direction required
c. Walk alongside and slightly ahead of the person;
don’t hold on to their arm but allow them to take
your arm if they want Q4
Question Five
When meeting a person who is blind/partially sighted
you should:
a. Identify yourself and those around you
b. Describe the layout of the room and where everyone
is positioned
c. Wait for them to introduce themselves
Question Six
The correct way to refer to someone who has is:
a. Epileptic
b. Person with epilepsy
Question Six
Someone in a wheelchair is called:
a. Wheelchair bound
b. A wheelchair user
c. Person with a wheelchair
Question Seven
You see someone using a wheelchair or a cane who
appears to be struggling. You should:
a. Move on and leave them alone
b. Offer to assist the person
c. Assist the person without asking
Question Eight
When conversing with a person who uses a wheelchair
you should:
a.
b.
c.
Kneel down beside them
Remain standing
Pull up a chair
Question Nine
You are conversing with a person who has trouble
speaking. You are only able to understand a few words
so you should:
a. Avoid asking them to repeat themselves in case you
offend them
b. Pretend you understood and hope you have guessed
correctly
c. Ask the person to repeat what you have said and
repeat it back to check that what you thought had been
said is correct
In Summary
• Terminology is important because it reflects our
attitudes and beliefs
• Using the right word matters. It is about using the
language marginalized groups and organisations that
work on their behalf find acceptable and not political
correctness
• Think before you speak
• Do not be scared to approach issues, or speak of
personal experiences
Thank you…
Questions?