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Return To Disabilities Article Archive   Hints For Working with People with Developmental Disabilities By Don Doman Here are some ideas to help you and everyone get along with people who have developmental disabilities. I collected these while visiting a friend. I looked these ideas over and realized that these ideas are great for getting along with everyone . . . not just people with developmental disabilities -- in almost any situation. See if you\'re already using some of these in your work areas. If not, you should be. Tips and Suggestons: SMILE and be friendly. Focus on abilities, not disabilities. Remember a person is a person first with a disability second. Be positive, have a good attitude and be patient. Encourage by praising good behavior. Assist by explainging what to do, rather than what not to do. Make instructions simple and clear. Speak clearly, and slowly, be specific. Talk to and with people -- not at them. Redirect challenging behavior. Establish routines and prepare people in advance for unexpected changes in routine. Be observant and aware. Establish limitations and maintain them. Be fast, firm and fair. Be consistent. Keep the atmosphere relaxed and happy. Be aware of your voice tone. Provide opportunities for choice, decision making, to express oneself. Encourage confidence and self-esteem. Learn new skills and develop leisure interests. Reduce stress and decrease aggression. Increase communication skills. Provide ways to release excess energy. Provide opportunities to experience challenge. Improve overall quality of life, making life happier more meaningful and worthwhile. People with developmental disabilities are still people . . . and they are people first and foremost . . . as we all are. Should we treat anyone any more differently? People are people . . . and we all have feelings. Author Don Doman: Don is a published author of books for small business, corporate video producer, and owner of Ideas and Training (http://www.ideasandtraining.com), which provides business training products. Don also owns and Human Resources Radio (http://www.humanresourcesradio.com), which provides business training programs and previews 24-hours a day. keywords: development disabilities | disabilities | teamwork | communications Disabled Grants

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