Here are some ideas to help you and everyone get along with people who have developmental disabilities. I collected these while visiting a friend. I looked these ideas over and realized that these ideas are great for getting along with everyone . . . not just people with developmental disabilities -- in almost any situation. See if you're already using some of these in your work areas. If not, you should be.

Tips and Suggestons:

• SMILE and be friendly.
• Focus on abilities, not disabilities.
• Remember a person is a person first with a disability second.
• Be positive, have a good attitude and be patient.
• Encourage by praising good behavior.
• Assist by explainging what to do, rather than what not to do.
• Make instructions simple and clear.
• Speak clearly, and slowly, be specific.
• Talk to and with people -- not at them.
• Redirect challenging behavior.
• Establish routines and prepare people in advance for unexpected changes in routine.
• Be observant and aware.
• Establish limitations and maintain them.
• Be fast, firm and fair.
• Be consistent.
• Keep the atmosphere relaxed and happy.
• Be aware of your voice tone.
• Provide opportunities for choice, decision making, to express oneself.
• Encourage confidence and self-esteem.
• Learn new skills and develop leisure interests.
• Reduce stress and decrease aggression.
• Increase communication skills.
• Provide ways to release excess energy.
• Provide opportunities to experience challenge.
• Improve overall quality of life, making life happier more meaningful and worthwhile.

People with developmental disabilities are still people . . . and they are people first and foremost . . . as we all are. Should we treat anyone any more differently? People are people . . . and we all have feelings.

Author Don Doman: Don is a published author of books for small business, corporate video producer, and owner of Ideas and Training (http://www.ideasandtraining.com), which provides business training products. Don also owns and Human Resources Radio (http://www.humanresourcesradio.com), which provides business training programs and previews 24-hours a day.