Communicating with people who have intellectual disabilities might take more intentionality than speaking to people without a disability. By using concrete language, listening with intention, and sometimes employing visual aids, you can learn to communicate more effectively with someone who has difficulty with speech and language.
People with disabilities face more challenges than non-disabled people. However, if non-disabled people put aside misconceptions that stem from a fear of saying the wrong thing, we could all make those with disabilities feel more welcome in our communities.
Find out how to speak respectfully to people with I/DD.
People-First Language
When you’re speaking or writing about someone with I/DD, you’ll want to use people-first language. For example, you would describe them as a “person with a disability” or “person who is blind” instead of a “disabled person” or “blind person.” People-first language takes the emphasis away from their disability and focuses on the person.
Speak Directly to Them
Having someone talk to you who doesn’t look at you or, worse, talks about you in front of you is incredibly dismissive. For the person with a disability, it’s frustrating and hurtful.
When you’re speaking to a person, talk to them at eye level. If they’re sitting, you should sit or come down to their level. Be sure to give them your full attention; they might not make eye contact with you, but that doesn’t mean they’re not listening.
Speak Clearly and Calmly
In the same way that shouting at someone in a different language doesn’t help them understand you, you should never shout at a person with I/DD. Speak clearly and calmly, and then wait for a response. People with I/DD can sometimes have a hard time expressing their thoughts or indicating they understand what you’re saying. Give them time to respond, or try to explain yourself in a different way.
Never Assume They Need Help
People with disabilities might need more time or take more steps to accomplish a task that could be easy for a non-disabled person. But that doesn’t mean they’re struggling. Never help a person with I/DD unless they ask. Always ask if they need assistance instead of assuming they do and taking charge.
Knowing how to speak respectfully to people with I/DD will help break down communication challenges they face every day.
Why We Change the Clocks: Daylight Saving Time Explained
Reminder: Daylight Saving Time begins this Sunday. Most regions will move clocks one hour forward at 2:00 a.m.
What Is Daylight Saving Time?
Daylight Saving Time (DST) is the practice of moving clocks forward by one hour during the warmer months
to extend evening daylight and then moving them back again in the cooler months. The original idea was to
conserve energy by aligning human activity with natural daylight, reducing the need for artificial lighting.
Today, DST is also justified by some as a way to support retail, tourism, and outdoor activities in the evening,
though its benefits and drawbacks are increasingly debated.
Kitchen trends move fast. One year, bold greens dominate design feeds. The next, warm terracotta steals attention. Yet certain colors continue to anchor homes decade after decade. Homeowners seeking timeless cabinet shades that never go out of style often want longevity, flexibility, and resale appeal without sacrificing personality.
Keeping your place safe doesn’t need a full security overhaul or a pile of expensive gadgets. There are simple things you can do to secure your home that fit into a weekend, a free evening, or even a spare hour. A few smart upgrades make your house harder to mess with and help you feel more relaxed every time you lock up.
When traffic packs in around big rigs, it is easy to tense up and wonder, “is it dangerous to drive beside a semi-truck"? The answer isn’t black and white. A few real risks exist, but a lot of protections stand between you and the worst-case scenarios on the highway.
A quinceañera marks an important milestone that celebrates tradition, family, and a young woman’s transition into adulthood. Planning such a meaningful event takes effort, coordination, and attention to detail. With proper preparation and clear planning, families can organize a memorable event that flows smoothly from the ceremony to the final dance. Here are some must-know tips on how to ensure a quinceañera goes off perfectly.
