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HELPING PASSENGERS WITH PERSONAL ASSISTANCE DEVICES Use the following guidelines when you are interacting with a passenger who has special needs: Assisting Passengers Who are Using Canes or Critters: • Always ask the disabled passenger if you can assist her /him prior to assisting the passenger • Assist from the opposite side of the cane. • Canes, walkers and other personal assistance devices should be stored so that they do not interfere with movement in the vehicle. • Amputees should be seated in cool areas during hot weather. Assisting Developmentally Disabled Passengers: • Treat the passengers with respect. • Be patient and repeat instructions when necessary. • Be firm if they insist on doing something that will endanger you, them or the other passengers. Assisting Hearing Impaired Passengers: • Look directly at them so they can see your lips. • Talk normally (do not shout) and do not exaggerate your speech. • Be prepared to repeat yourself. • Get another person to talk to them if the passenger has trouble reading your lips. Use a pad and pencil when Assisting Speech- Impaired Passengers: • Do not hesitate to ask speech - impaired persons to repeat anything that you do not understand. • Be patient; the passenger's speech condition may become more difficult to understand if the passenger is under stress. Assisting Passengers with Visual Impairments: • Don't touch the passenger until you tell them who you are and what you intend to do. • Do not shout at the passenger. • Before boarding the passenger, take their hand and show them the door openings as well as the seat and mention any hazards. • When escorting the passenger, remain on the opposite side of their cane and have them hold your arm. Advise the passenger of any changes in ground texture or elevation level. • When walking with a passenger, call out turns and maneuvers at least five (5) steps in advance. • If the passenger uses a service animal, it may be helpful to lean the name of the animal for future reference. Avoid any abrupt movements toward the animal or the passengers. • Seat visually impaired passengers against vehicle walls when possible or seat the passengers in seats with arm rests in order to assist them in keeping their balance. 04/25/16 PDFConverf.10732.1.Section 2_- _Driver Employee_Training Attachme11umber 2 \n F -9 Page 211