How can you network with people who have disabilities?
Networking with people who have disabilities can be a rewarding and enriching experience, both personally and professionally. However, it can also pose some challenges and barriers, especially if you are not familiar with the disability community and culture. In this article, you will learn some tips and strategies to network effectively and respectfully with people who have disabilities, and how to create more inclusive and accessible spaces for everyone.
One of the first steps to network with people who have disabilities is to learn some basic disability etiquette, which is a set of guidelines and best practices to communicate and interact with people who have different types of disabilities. Disability etiquette can help you avoid common mistakes and assumptions, and show respect and sensitivity to the preferences and needs of people who have disabilities. Some examples of disability etiquette are: asking before offering help, using person-first or identity-first language, respecting personal space and equipment, and avoiding stereotypes and pity.
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Direct communication isn't inherently rude. In high school, as a class prefect, I asked our new English teacher his name to update the class register. However, when another prefect rephrased it, he responded differently. Instead of answering me, he disapproved and later chastised me in front of the class, implying I'd asked incorrectly. Unaware of my autism then, similar incidents occurred where my direct style was deemed unacceptable. This rejection echoes the struggles of queer individuals facing conversion therapy. Though not subjected to Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), attempts to "correct" me were damaging. In a diverse world, it's cruel how neurotypical standards marginalise alternative communication styles.
Another important step to network with people who have disabilities is to find common interests and goals that can help you build rapport and trust. Networking is not only about exchanging information and contacts, but also about sharing values and passions. People who have disabilities are not defined by their disability, but by their personality, skills, hobbies, and aspirations. Therefore, you should try to find out what motivates and inspires them, what they enjoy doing, and what they want to achieve. By doing so, you can establish a genuine connection and mutual support.
A third step to network with people who have disabilities is to seek out diverse and inclusive spaces where you can meet and interact with them. These can be online or offline platforms, events, groups, or organizations that are designed or adapted to accommodate the accessibility and participation of people who have disabilities. For example, you can join disability-related forums, podcasts, blogs, or social media accounts, attend disability-focused webinars, workshops, or conferences, or volunteer for disability advocacy or service projects. These spaces can help you learn more about the disability community and culture, and expand your network.
A fourth step to network with people who have disabilities is to be open to feedback and learning from them. Networking is a two-way process that involves giving and receiving value, as well as exchanging perspectives and experiences. People who have disabilities can offer you valuable insights, advice, and resources that can help you grow personally and professionally. However, they can also point out areas where you can improve or change your behavior, language, or attitude towards disability. You should be willing to listen and learn from their feedback, and avoid being defensive or dismissive.
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Autistic individuals are often unfairly tagged as "rude" or "unempathetic." What many fail to understand is that our emotional processing and communication methods differ from those of allistic individuals. For many of us, feelings of distress and overwhelm can compound our communication difficulties. Therefore, the perceived absence of suitable or empathetic reactions, by allistic standards, is more about grappling with social communication hurdles than a genuine lack of emotional responsiveness.
A fifth step to network with people who have disabilities is to follow up and maintain contact with them. Networking is not a one-time event, but a long-term relationship that requires effort and commitment. You should make sure to follow up with the people who have disabilities that you met or connected with, and express your appreciation and interest in staying in touch. You can also send them relevant information, opportunities, or invitations that might benefit them, or ask them for feedback, advice, or referrals. You should also check in with them regularly, and show your support and recognition for their achievements.
A sixth step to network with people who have disabilities is to promote accessibility and inclusion in your own network and environment. Networking with people who have disabilities is not only about benefiting yourself, but also about contributing to the empowerment and visibility of the disability community. You can do this by raising awareness and educating others about disability issues, advocating for disability rights and policies, supporting disability initiatives and causes, and creating or improving accessibility and inclusion in your workplace, organization, or community. By doing so, you can become an ally and a leader for disability inclusion.
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