Gladly the stigma of a disabled person’s incapability to perform sufficiently has faded. And now we are leading a generation that not only gives equal rights to everyone but also has seen people with disabilities grow in many aspects. They have grown to accomplish milestones and reach their full potential, also giving back to the community they live in. People carry all sorts of disabilities, not just visible disabilities and it’s completely normal in today’s world as it should be.
Since maintenance staff has direct contact with the clients, it’s their responsibility to ensure they provide the same services for all without discriminating against anybody. Remember that discrimination against a disabled person is a punishable offense according to the laws.
For the maintenance staff not to hurt someone’s feelings unintentionally, here are some fair housing tips you can keep in mind while communicating with people carrying disabilities:
1. Do not be hesitant or point out the obvious facts
It is considered offensive to talk or enforce a conversation to talk about one’s disability and state the obvious facts. This is especially true when the disability is visible. As a maintenance staff, you are there to provide the services asked of you. Although socializing doesn’t do harm but treating them differently or talking with a certain perspective can be seen as a discriminatory action.
Make sure you are not directly sympathizing with the person or sharing concerns you were not asked for. Be straightforward with your work and the maintenance service you are providing. There is a thin line you wouldn’t want to cross.
2. Don’t enforce your ideas
Just because someone has disabilities doesn’t give you the right to enforce your ideas on someone, or that you are on the right side of the debate. Clients are entitled to the service they need, and you must provide them with solutions.
Don’t get into a heated conversation, bringing discriminatory comments to prove your point. Aggressive communication can only do harm to you, and most importantly, it’s not appropriate.
3. Be professional
A professional approach and communication are what every client expects. And someone’s disability shouldn’t be the reason for you to act unprofessional. Ensure you stand on your company policies.
Final Words
Communication skills are a necessity for maintenance staff as they are representing the agency. And that should be the same approach for all clients without stating the differences. Yes, there would be exceptions for special disabilities like deafness, or blindness, for which special training is given to the maintenance staff to understand visual language and sign language to communicate with the disabled person.
