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Your
attitude toward the girl with a disability will help shape the
person’s attitude toward herself and others.
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Have a
confident attitude and expect good results. She will usually
live up to expectations if you are realistic in setting goals.
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Arrange
equipment so that she will be able to use it independently –
i.e. putting spoon on right hand side of bowl (or left side if
she is left-handed).
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Never be
bored, you must have interest in the task. Like and enjoy the
challenge.
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Try to
establish a definite routine to which she will become adjusted.
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Never
give her the idea that she may not have to do it. Be careful of
your phrasing. Instead of saying, “Shall we sit down now?” Say
“Sit down now,” in a matter-of-fact way, but definitely and
firmly.
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Be
consistent in enthusiasm and encouragement or she will become
confused and lose interest.
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Use
praise wisely: (a) praise a lot in the beginning; (b) praise in
proportion to the effort expended by her; (c) when she becomes
more adept, diminish praise; (d) be consistent.
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Teach her
by example. Take advantage of the tendency of children to
imitate their elders. Show her the correct way to do things. You
are her “model”.
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Do not
tire her. Watch carefully for fatigue and then help her. BUT,
first explain why you are helping her.
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Be
interested in the progress of a habit and not merely in the end
product.
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Encourage
independence in her; don’t help her too much.
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Help the
person to see the best in others. Good social adjustments depend
in large measure on the individual’s favorable relationship with
other people.
