Providing Support with Dignity and Respect

Dignity Dignity often comes to awareness when it is threatened. We understand its definition when: Someone degrades us intentionally or unintentionally Ignored, talked over Deny individuality Humiliation Criticism for being outside social norms It’s painful

What is dignity? You define it by: boundaries self beliefs how one likes to be viewed by others Individuality Individual rights

Consequences Increased self esteem/self worth Autonomy, self control, make choices, feel involved Our inherent value and worth as human beings We are being treated as something of value. Accept that we have a shared identity Reference: Donna Hicks, Psychology Today 2013

How do you give it? By letting yourself and others be seen, heard, listened to, and treated fairly By making yourself and others be recognized and understood By making yourself and others feel safe in this world

What does dignity look like in action? Meet Sam, the barista https://www.youtube.co m/watch?v=ukDKrwoL36g https://www.youtube.co m/watch?v=KaRqqVDAaQ o

Dimensions of Dignity Dignity Language Situational Awareness Cultural Competency Team Emotional Intelligence

Language Language matters Must be inclusive and not dividing Must be supportive Should be empowering Example: People first language

People first language Kathie Snow: disabilityisnatural.com Put the person before the disability How might it feel to hear a caregiver say this about you: “They’re schizophrenic.” instead of “She is a person with schizophrenia.”

Emotional Intelligence An understanding of how you react and affect others Negativity vs. positivity bias Mental consequences Physical consequences Social consequences What is your intention?

Cultural Competency Build your knowledge Race Religion Sexuality Gender Disability Effects of privilege Micro aggressions

Micro aggressions? “…brief and commonplace daily verbal, behavioral, or environmental indignities, whether intentional or unintentional, that communicate hostile, derogatory, or negative slights and insults.” -Derald Sue Subconscious Fueled by society Illusion of superiority

Source: Nigatu Heben: 21 Racial Micro aggressions You Hear On A Daily Basis

Micro aggressions: GLBTI “You know, they are gay but very nice people.” “You don’t look ….” “Oh! Is that a ring? What is his name?”

Micro aggressions: People with Disabilities Blind man reports that when people speak to him they raise their voice You have a disability? But you seem so bright! (Disbelief/Denial) I understand your AD/HD; I have a deaf uncle. (minimization) Trying to get someone with OCD to give a high-5 (“fix”) Source: Allison May

Limiting Micro Aggressions Teach patience to your curiosity Don’t ask “well intended” questions until you have a deep relationship with the person Don’t make assumptions of disability Don’t ignore your mistakes Reflect Develop cultural humility

How would a lack of situational awareness work for…?

Dignity and situational awareness Are you behaving like you would with every other person? Do not assume type of disability Are you leaving someone out of the conversation because they have a disability? Be conscientious of environments Be courteous, not condescending

See something, say something Get in each other’s business “It’s not about you, it’s not about me, it’s about the individual” Mission, team, me

Condescension Mental and Cognitive Infantilizing the individual. Don’t confuse ability with age. Physical: look at me, hand the papers to me

Teamwork Work through conflicts Listen Acknowledge Solve Thank

You might wonder why I haven’t mentioned respect You might wonder why I haven’t mentioned respect? It’s part of the title of this presentation.

By taking these challenging steps, you will have shown respect.

But most importantly….YOU EARNED IT.