Consider what the person needs to access your service and plan to make those adjustments to your approach and/or the physical environment.

“Planning with me helps me get the care I need.”

• Identify if the person has an intellectual disability.
• Learn the person’s baseline presentation through engaging with them and their support people.
• Consider if any communication aids are required. For example:
  • Is Easy Read required?
  • What is used normally for the person in other settings?

Example questions to ask:
“Do you have anything that you would like to use to talk with me today?”
“Would you prefer Easy Read?”

• Do other members of the workforce in the health service need to be advised that the person needs assistance?
• Have a plan on what should happen during an appointment or ward visit. For example:
  • Does the person require a particular physical space?Will they require a longer appointment?
  • How will you explain information in a simple way?

Take any available opportunities to learn more and improve your skills so you can provide the best possible healthcare to people with intellectual disability.