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City of Wollongong
Resident Visitor Business

Every person with disability is an individual with their own access needs, likes and dislikes.

Effective communication is key to providing a positive event experience for people with access needs. Here are some tips to assist event organisers, staff, and volunteers.

Generally:

  • Focus on the person, not their disability. Always address the person directly, not the other people who may be with them (such as a sign language interpreter or assistant).
  • Ask the person if they want assistance, do not assume they need it.

For a person using a wheelchair:

  • If you are having a conversation that will last more than a few moments, bend to eye level or pull up a chair.

For a person who may have a learning difficulty, an intellectual disability, dementia, or brain injury:

  • Address the person directly, listen carefully, speak clearly, and check for understanding.
  • Use plain language without being patronising.
  • Allow the person time to ask questions and try not to rush them.
  • Try not to overload the person with information. Make it clear you are there to help if they forget the information.

For a person who is Deaf or hard of hearing:

  • Always face the person so they can read your lips. Try to make sure there are no bright lights behind you that may limit their ability to see your lips.
  • Use your normal tone of voice and volume. If possible, move out of areas with lots of background noise.
  • If a person who is Deaf is there with an Auslan interpreter, always address your comments directly to the person who is Deaf rather than to the interpreter.
  • Have a pen and paper on hand to help communicate with the person if necessary.

For a person with low vision or who is blind:

  • Identify yourself by name. If appropriate, ask for their name so you can address them directly, so they know you are talking to them and not someone else.
  • If a person who is blind asks for assistance to go somewhere, ask which side you should be on and offer your arm so they can hold it just above your elbow.
  • Never pat or distract a guide dog or offer it food while it is in harness. The dog is a working animal under the control of its owner. For more information about what to consider visit the Guide Dogs NSW / ACT website.