Tips for First Responders / People with Cognitive Disabilities

People with Cognitive Disabilities

Say:

My name is…. I'm here to help you, not hurt you.
I am a … (name your job).
I am here because … (explain the situation).
I look different than my picture on my badge because … (for example, if you are wearing protective equipment).

Show:

Give:

Extra time for the person to process what you are saying and to respond.
Respect for the dignity of the person as an equal and as an adult (for example, speak directly to the person).
An arm to the person to hold as they walk. If needed, offer your elbow for balance.
If possible, quiet time to rest (as possible, to lower stress and fatigue).

Use:

Short sentences.
Simple, concrete words.
Accurate, honest information.
Pictures and objects to illustrate your words. Point to your ID picture as you say who you are, point to any protective equipment as you speak about it.

Predict:

What will happen (simply and concretely).
When events will happen (tie to common events in addition to numbers and time, for example, "By lunchtime…" "By the time the sun goes down…").
How long this will last – when things will return to normal (if you know).
When the person can contact or rejoin loved ones (for example, calls to family, re-uniting pets).

Ask for/Look for:

An identification bracelet with special health information.
Essential equipment and supplies (for example, wheelchair, walker, oxygen, batteries, communication devices [head pointers, alphabet boards, speech synthesizers, etc.]).
Medication.
Mobility aids (for example, assistance or service animal).
Special health instructions (for example: allergies).
Special communication information (for example, is the person using sign language)?
Contact information.
Signs of stress and/or confusion (for example, the person might say they are stressed, look confused, withdraw or start rubbing their hands together).
Conditions that people might misinterpret (for example, someone might mistake Cerebral Palsy for drunkenness).

Repeat:

Reassurances (for example, "You may feel afraid. That's ok. We're safe now.").
Encouragement (for example, "Thanks for moving fast. You are doing great. Other people can look at you and know what to do.").
Frequent updates on what's happening and what will happen next.
Refer to what you predicted will happen, (for example, "Just like I said before, we're getting into my car now. We'll go to… now.").
Reduce:
Distractions. (For example, lower volume of radio, use flashing lights on vehicle only when necessary).
Explain:
Any written material (including signs) in everyday language.
Public address system announcements in simple language.
Share:
The information you've learned about the person with other workers who'll be assisting the person.

Reduce:

Distractions. (For example, lower volume of radio, use flashing lights on vehicle only when necessary).

Explain:

The information you've learned about the person with other workers who'll be assisting the person.

Contacts for Supports and Services:

SD Department of Human Services Division of Developmental Disabilities
605-773-3438
https://dhs.sd.gov/developmentaldisabilities

Disability Rights South Dakota
1-800-658-4782
www.drsdlaw.org

USD Center for Disabilities
605-357-1439 or 1-800-658-3080
cd@usd.edu