1. Providing Support with Dignity and Respect

2. 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

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

4. 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

5. 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

6. What does dignity look like in action? Meet Sam, the barista
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7. Dimensions of Dignity Dignity Language Situational Awareness
Cultural Competency
Team
Emotional Intelligence

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

9. 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.”

10. 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?

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

12. 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

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

14. 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?”

15. 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

16. 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

18. How would a lack of situational awareness work for…?

19. 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

20. 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

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

22. Teamwork
Work through conflicts
Listen
Acknowledge
Solve
Thank

23. 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.

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

25. But most importantly….YOU EARNED IT.