Purpose
This activity helps students, carers, professionals, families, and volunteers think about how they would support someone with a disability when assistive equipment or accessible facilities are not available.
The aim is not to "do everything for the person."
The aim is to help the person remain as independent, safe, and involved in decision-making as possible.
Learning Objectives
By completing this activity, learners will:
Understand person-centred support.
Think about balancing safety and independence.
Improve communication skills.
Develop problem-solving skills.
Recognise that every person's needs are different.
Learn to ask before helping.
Scenario 1 – A Person Who Is Blind
Imagine you are with someone who is blind.
You arrive at an old building.
There is:
No lift.
Only stairs.
No handrails.
No tactile signs.
No staff nearby.
What would you do?
Think about:
Would you ask before helping?
How would you describe the surroundings?
Would you let the person hold your arm if they wanted to?
How could you make the journey as safe as possible?
How would you respect their independence?
Scenario 2 – Hidden Disabilities
You are supporting a friend who has hidden disabilities.
The person may experience:
Autism
Dyspraxia
Anxiety
Epilepsy
Learning disabilities
Memory difficulties
You need to cross a busy road.
There is no crossing nearby.
The person becomes anxious.
What would you do?
Think about:
Would you wait for a safer opportunity?
Would you walk together?
Would you ask what support they prefer?
Would you slow down?
How would you reduce anxiety?
Scenario 3 – Emergency Situation
Imagine there is a fire alarm.
The lift cannot be used.
Someone has:
A visual impairment.
A mobility difficulty.
A learning disability.
Autism.
How could you support them calmly while following emergency procedures?
Reflection Questions
What was the biggest challenge?
Did you ask the person what they wanted?
How did you balance safety with independence?
Did you make assumptions?
What could you have done differently?
What did you learn?
Key Learning Points
Good support means:
✔ Asking before helping.
✔ Listening to the person.
✔ Respecting choices whenever it is safe to do so.
✔ Explaining what is happening.
✔ Working together.
✔ Encouraging independence.
Support should be something you do with a person, not to a person.
Discussion
There is rarely only one correct answer.
Different people prefer different kinds of support.
The best support is person-centred and based on communication, respect and partnership.
Sometimes safety needs to take priority, but whenever possible people should be supported to make their own decisions and maintain their independence.
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