Introduction

In our diverse society, it’s really important for professionals who work with clients with disabilities to understand and respect their different perspectives and values.

We all have our own beliefs, but it’s crucial to keep them separate from our professional work, especially when helping people with disabilities.

This post will cover the following…

1. Why it’s so important not to force our own values on clients with disabilities.

2. The problems it can cause

3. Why it’s better to have an inclusive and client-focused approach.

Understanding Disability

Disability covers many different conditions, each with its own challenges and experiences. It’s important to know that people with disabilities aren’t defined only by their impairments.

They have their own unique personalities, strengths, and dreams. Just like anyone else, they come from different backgrounds and cultures and have their own beliefs and values.

That’s why it’s really important to provide disability support and services in a way that respects and values each person’s independence and dignity.

Respecting Independence and Freedom to Choose

One of the most important things in disability support is promoting independence and the freedom to make your own decisions.

Independence means having the right to make choices and decisions about your own life. By forcing our own values on clients with disabilities, we can take away their independence and prevent them from expressing their own wishes and goals.

This can make them feel disempowered, frustrated, and damage the relationship between them and the professionals who are supposed to help them.

Putting the Person First

To make sure clients with disabilities get the support they truly need, it’s really important to focus on the person. Putting the person first means making them the most important part of decision-making and service provision.

It also means actively listening and trying to understand their unique experiences, perspectives, and goals.

This approach recognises that clients are the experts in their own lives, and professionals should work together with them, providing the necessary support and resources without forcing their own beliefs.

What Research Says

Lots of studies have shown how important it is not to impose personal values on clients with disabilities.

One study called “Respecting Independence: A Disability Rights Perspective” by Bickenbach and others (2012) explains that respecting independence is a big part of disability rights. It says professionals should work hard to respect clients’ independence.

The study also shows that when independence is ignored and personal values are forced on people with disabilities, it can lead to lower self-esteem, reduced ability to make decisions, and feelings of powerlessness.

Practical Tips for Professionals

To make sure professionals provide respectful and inclusive support, they can use these tips:

1. Understand Yourself: Think about your own values, biases, and assumptions. Recognise if you have any biases that might affect how you interact with clients.

2. Listen Actively: Take the time to really listen and understand the unique experiences, desires, and goals of the client. This will build trust and help you provide the right support.

3. Give Choices: Offer clients different options and let them choose what they prefer based on their own wishes and dreams.

4. Make Decisions Together: Involve clients in the decision-making process. Make sure they have a say and respect their opinions and preferences.

5. Keep Learning: Stay updated on the latest research, best practices, and disability rights. This will help you have the most up-to-date knowledge and skills.

It’s really important for professionals working with clients with disabilities to respect their independence, unique perspectives, and values.

By avoiding the imposition of personal beliefs, professionals can create an inclusive environment that empowers clients and meets their needs and goals.

When professionals focus on the person and value their independence, it not only helps individuals with disabilities but also promotes a fair and inclusive society