6.2.2: Expectations and Attitudes

As we have discussed throughout this course, all people have different views of family, come from different cultures, and have different beliefs and values. Everyone has their own unique identities, and we all have many parts to what makes us who we are. Regardless of whether the person has a developmental disability or not, it is important to remember that all of these differences should be respected and valued.

Philosophy and Current Trends in the Field

Address the Person, Not the Disability

One other important aspect of providing home care to a person with a developmental disability to know about and to respect is in regard to the terms that people use to describe their disability. Most of us do not like to be identified by a physical feature or a problem that we have. Some people may not like the term “disabled” and prefer to use the term “ability challenged”, or another term.

Home Health Aides/Personal Care Aides should always use the term(s) that the family and patient prefer. Take cues about terms families prefer by the language they use. Be sensitive when referring to a person with a disability. Be careful not to say things like, “They are disabled” or “They are deaf”. Never identify a person with a disability by their disability. For example, Home Health Aides/Personal Care Aides should not say, “He/she is a blind person” or “He/she is an autistic” or say things such as, “The ADHD patient” or “The Down’s patient.” These terms are offensive and label the person as a disability rather than a person with a disability. Instead, they should say things like, “He/she has ADHD/Down syndrome/Tourette’s syndrome, etc.” or “He/she has a visual/hearing/physical etc. impairment.”

Focus on Independence, Productivity, and Integration

In working with all people, it is important to promote independence. This is no different when working with people with developmental disabilities. While they may have some limitations, such as not being physically able to walk or feed their selves, this does not mean that a person with a developmental disability is unable to be independent in all ways.

Home Health Aides/Personal Care Aides should allow their patient with a disability to do all they can for themselves. They should not take over doing something just because they may be able to do it better or more quickly. Be patient and kind. Allow time for tasks to be completed and don’t rush the patient. When people feel they are working with someone who is patient and who gives them time to complete a task, they are more willing to try to do it themselves. This will give them a sense of independence and productivity. Never push a patient to do something they may not be able. This will only lead to a sense of failure and guilt.

Another important aspect in working with people with disabilities is to promote integration. Integration means including and involving a person with a disability with other people who do not have a disability. Whenever possible, people who have disabilities should be included in family and community activities. Work with a supervisor and the family to plan activities to involve the patient.

Promote Self-Determination and Community Participation

Promoting self–determination (the ability to make one’s own choices, decisions, and plans) is important for all people. Promote self-determination with patients by giving them choices. Allow them to decide foods or clothing they prefer or the order of tasks to complete. A HHA/PCA can ask, “What would you like to do first? Take a bath or brush your teeth?” Encourage the patient to select activities they would like to do for fun and work to involve your patient with their family and community as much as possible. There are many resources within communities for families to participate in. These may include school or church events, community events such as field days or musical events, or visiting local attractions such as zoos and museums. All people have a need to be a part of something and to be involved with others around them.

Self Check Activity \(\PageIndex{1}\)

True or False

1. It is okay to call a person “disabled” if they have a disability. After all, they do have a disability. True or False? _____________

Multiple Choice

2. What phrase best describes self-determination?

a). Making one’s own choices, decisions, and future plans.

b). Being told what to do and when to do it.

c). Including a person with a disability with others who are not disabled.

True or False

3. It is okay to take over dressing a patient if they are taking a very long time or if they make some mistakes when tying their shoelaces. True or False? _____________

Answer

1. False

2. A

3. False

FEEDBACK:

1. It is not okay to call a person disabled just because they have a disability. Always use terms the patient and family prefer. Remember, most of us do not like to be identified by a physical feature or a problem that we have.

2. Self-determination is the ability to make our own choices, decisions, and future plans. It is important for the HHA/PCA to promote self-determination with all patients.

3. It is not okay to take over a task just because a person may be taking a long time or if they make mistakes. This negatively impacts a person’s self-esteem. It is important for the HHA/PCA to promote independence for all patients with whom they work. Sometimes, tasks patients do on their own may take a longer time than if you did it for them. This is okay. Remember to have patience.