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Overcoming barriers: working with disabled clients in veterinary practice
Author(s) -
McCain Helen
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
in practice
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.211
H-Index - 25
eISSN - 2042-7689
pISSN - 0263-841X
DOI - 10.1136/inpract.28.10.616
Subject(s) - disabled people , work (physics) , internet privacy , nursing , medicine , psychology , public relations , computer science , applied psychology , engineering , political science , mechanical engineering , life style
IN her work for Dogs for the Disabled, Helen McCain has often witnessed the awkward reactions of others when dealing with people with disabilities. Wheelchairs, mobility aids and difficulties in communication can all create barriers to effective interaction and, often, a simple lack of confidence and understanding in dealing with disabled people can result in a fear of saying or doing the wrong thing. However, helping disabled clients to access veterinary care for their animals is not just about installing ramps, hearing loops and parking facilities. As discussed in this article, it is as much about the practice and its staff adopting a flexible approach and being open and creative.