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If your interactions are age-appropriate, it means you treat people with disabilities the same way you would treat other people who are the same chronological age. Age-appropriate activities and interactions are based on respect. The following are examples of age appropriateness.
Offer people choices that people their age would consider appropriate:
| Situation | These age-inappropriate activities or responses foster childlike images | These activities or responses are age-appropriate |
|---|---|---|
| Movies /Television | Cartoons, children’s shows (e.g., Sesame Street) | Comedy, sports, suspense, game, western or animal shows |
| Music | Children’s tapes, CDs and music | Radio or tapes (mix tape, relaxation device, etc.) |
| Diversional (distraction) items (not toys) | Infant toys (i.e. rattle, top) | Maracas, sensory stimulation items |
| Hobbies | Children’s coloring books, playing Candyland, watching Sesame Street | Special collections (e.g., stamps), computers, art projects, magazines, card games with card holder |
| Reading Materials | Children’s books | Magazines, poetry, books, newspapers |
| Room Decorations | Cartoon characters children’s theme | Sports figures, appropriate pictures of actors or actresses, landscapes, nature |
Speak to people with disabilities as you would to others who are the same age:
| Situation | These age-inappropriate activities or responses foster childlike images | These activities or responses are age-appropriate |
|---|---|---|
| Nicknames | Tommy, Billy, Janey | Tom, Bill, Jane |
| Tone of voice, speech | High-pitch, baby talk | Use normal voice and words the person understands |
| Social interactions | Speak only to parents or caregivers | Speak to the person, make eye-contact, include in conversations and at the table |
| Negative conversations (i.e., speaking about the individuals as if they cannot hear) | Speak about people as if they’re not there; discussing topics individual should NOT hear | Step out of room to discuss sensitive topics; assume people can understand you |
| Communication | Assume people cannot understand | Ask caregivers if a method of communication is used |
Offer help and assistance that lets people be as independent as possible:
| Situation | These age-inappropriate activities or responses foster childlike images | These activities or responses are age-appropriate |
| Partial Participation | Individuals watch a game as you “play” for them | Use physical or verbal assistance such as a card holder; adapt activity so people can participate (i.e. break down the steps) |
| Responsibilities / Control | Do chores for them, dress them, feed them, push their wheelchair when they’re capable of pushing themselves | Encourage problem solving, decision making, initiation; give responsibilities to allow for independence and choices |
| Free time | Telling an adult, “Someone is here to PLAY with you” | Instead of “play”, use age- appropriate term such as, hang-out |
Examples of Age-Appropriate Diversions:
| Reading | Music | Television | Games | Arts/Crafts | Other |
| newspaper magazines poetry comic strips Guinness Book of World Records riddles, jokes books (novels, short stories) | radio tape/cd TV station play instrument sound machine | movies game shows comedy westerns sports suspense dramas animal shows | card games catch computer board games video games crosswords word search basketball (sports) | painting drawing models simple projects sewing journal stencils beads (jewelry) | walk outside conversation gift shop sensory stimulation items chapel cooking dance |
This information is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to replace the advice of your health care providers. If you have any questions, talk with your doctor or others on your health care team.
If you are a Gillette patient with urgent questions or concerns, please contact Telehealth Nursing at 651-229-3890.
