Including everyone in... Individual Ministry

Don’t assume things – openly ask what the person’s needs are, how you can be of help.  Treat individuals as individuals, valuing them as one of God’s children.

People with learning disabilities are not children: their life experiences are rich and varied and should be taken into account in counselling situations. Have you allowed enough time for the person to express him- or herself? People with learning disabilties may take longer to explain, or speak slowly.

If asked to see someone who communicates in a way you may struggle with, ensure you allow enough time to listen and ask if there is somebody else who might facilitate.  If you don’t understand something, keep asking until you understand – it is worse to imply you understand when you don’t than to keep asking; the disabled person would surely prefer you keep asking.

Always double check that what you are saying is understood by asking open questions.