How can you help a dumb person who needs your help?

Answer 1

The term "dumb" is no longer used because it is derogatory and demeaning. A person with lower intelligence often has difficulty understanding tasks and activities that other people take for granted. For example, one person may love to read, but another person may struggle to read the simplest of words. Differences in understanding, like in that example, come about from many causes (too many to list).

People should take an interest in persons with difficulties in understanding. But it's important to remember to honor the person's dignity. Show respect. Even if the person cannot understand in one area, it doesn't mean the person doesn't understand anything.

If you would like to help, think about some of these suggestions:

• Educate yourself about disabilities.
• Volunteer with professionals to gain experience helping disabled persons.
• If the person lives with family, consult with the family.
• Clearly identify exactly what "help" is needed.
• Never just take over. ASK the person IF they need or want your help. They may not appreciate your interference.
• If you believe the person needs help but refuses your help, talk to an agency to see if they can intervene.
• If the person wants your help, don't overstep. It is most respectful if you let them do what they can do, and only help if they need your help. For example, a person may be able to count and they know what they want to do, for example with their money. But the person may need help getting information about opening a bank account.
• Rather than being only a Helper, seek to teach while you help. Just doing for someone does not give the person an opportunity to learn.
• Remember to always be respectful. Think about how you would want to be treated if you "didn't know" something and needed another person to help.
• Know when to step back and let the person live their own life. Seek to support the person's independence; even children need to independently learn and grow.