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Your Potential Customers Do you know that there are at least eight million people in this country that have a developmental disability? They may be people with mental retardation, cerebral palsy, autism, or another condition that affects their ability to perform certain activities. Increasingly, people with developmental disabilities are living in the community rather than in large institutions. They spend money with local businesses and are your potential customers. Many people with developmental disabilities have learned to overcome the effects of their disability. Many are productively employed while others need more assistance to realize their fullest potential. Like many of us, people with developmental disabilities need other people to assist them in meeting the demands of today's society. A Changing AttitudeThere has been a steady improvement in the way people with developmental disabilities have been viewed by professionals and the community. Research shows that others better accept students with developmental disabilities when they attend the same school as students with no disabilities. Other studies show that property values of the surrounding community remain the same when people with developmental disabilities live in local neighborhoods. Neighbors typically accept people with developmental disabilities when they move into local neighborhoods. Increased training and direct on-the-job supports give people with developmental disabilities opportunities to become productively employed. Like many of us, people with developmental disabilities have complex needs. Basically, they need:
When meeting a person with a developmental disability for the first time, you may not be sure how to interact with them. However, once you get beyond this "barrier", you will be able to see the individual as a person who has particular needs and interests.
As an individual, you can fight against the negative stereotyping of people with developmental disabilities. You can correct any misunderstandings by giving accurate information to your friends or relatives. Don't be embarrassed by their disability. RELAX! Their very presence indicates their desire to shop in your store. Use a normal tone of voice when speaking to the person. Your facial expressions and gestures will help them understand you more easily. Some people with developmental disabilities may have difficulty speaking. If you don't understand them, ask them to say it another way. When handing money to customers with visual impairments, separate the bills and identify the denominations. If the person uses a wheelchair, always ask how you can assist before attempting to push their chair. If your co-workers act inappropriately when the person comes in (like laughing or making unkind remarks), remember that you don't have to join in. Instead, greet your customer with a smile and keep your mind on understanding what the person needs from you. Notice if there is any way you can help find what they need or perhaps reach an item on a high shelf. Your calmness and pleasant manner in serving this customer will be noticed by others in the store. YOU can lead the way in creating a comfortable atmosphere. Like all of us, people with disabilities tend to shop near where they live. You may come in contact with someone often as a regular customer. Your welcoming smile and friendly greetings will mean a great deal to them. Metropolitan Council On Developmental Disabilities Prepared by Metropolitan Council on Developmental Disabilities. Paid for through a grant from Ewing M. Kauffman Fund and Administration on Developmental Disabilities. Our thanks to the A R C of Oregon for providing the model for this series of brochures. |