Tips for fostering an accessible environment and empowering outcomes for clients with disability
 
  • ​Work closely with colleagues, including the intake team to ensure that all information is accessible. Avoid jargon and acronyms and reflect on your own use of language about disability. You can find a useful guide here;https://pwd.org.au/resources/disability-info/language-guide/
 
  • Ask the client before the appointment if there is anything they need to make them feel more comfortable and ask again each time you meet.
 
  • Adjust the service to suit each client. This might include reserving the front room for a wheelchair user, organising an interpreter, dimming the lights for sensory sensitivity, integrating communicative technologies, providing the option of Zoom or telephone appointments. It’s important to remember there is no ‘one size fits all’ approach.
 
  • Listen carefully so the client feels heard and understood. This helps to create a safe space where they have time to process their thoughts and can leave the session feeling more in control of their life.
 
  • Ensure the client has the time and resources they need to consider their options and make decisions.
Accessibility requires ongoing communication between a client and service to understand what is required to achieve their desired outcome. Service design and training are two very important parts of this communication.

These tips have been contributed by our team who provide counselling support for people affected by the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation of People with Disability. This free service is funded by the Department of Social Services.

For counselling support please call us on, 1300 473 528