Page 119 - The Creative Training Idea Book Inspired Tips and Techniques for Engaging and Effective Learning

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108 The Creative Training Idea Book
as referring to a beggar or someone who traditionally was disabled and stood on cor-
ners with “cap in hand” soliciting money. Also, if you must refer to someone with a
disability, put the person before the disability to indicate that they are important and
the disability is only a detail about them.

BRIGHT I DEA
Learning About Disabilities
o help yourself better understand disabilities in order to better prepare to train
Tsuch learners who might have them take some time to visit the library or log
onto the Internet for information on various disabilities. Specifically look for
materials and information on ways to create a learning environment that meets
the needs of such learners. You can also look in the phone book for agencies that
support people with disabilities and even volunteer time to work with such groups.
In doing so, your knowledge and empathy will likely increase immensely. Once
you gain insights, encourage your organizational management group to support
disability sensitivity and diversity training initiatives, which you might facilitate.

General Suggestions for Training People with Disabilities

Along with the preceding suggestions, here are some general things you can do to in-
crease your effectiveness when training learners with disabilities.

Sensitize Trainers

Prior to the start of training, ensure that co-trainers and other
assistants are sensitized to disability issues and
that they are aware of any need for accommo-
dation within your learner group.

Get the Facts
Before training, elicit information
about the disabilities and special
needs from participants in order to
plan appropriate accommodations.

Never Assume

Instead of thinking that you know the
best approach for effectively interacting
with someone who has a disability, ask the