Recognise
You are not expected to have a clinical understanding of someone’s physical disability. Your role is to compassionate support and take simple, practical steps to help someone in the moment.
Physical disabilities affect people in different ways, and may be visible or hidden. Someone with physical disabilities may have issues with their mobility (ie limp or difficulty balancing), movement, stamina or coordination.
You might notice:
- difficulty walking or standing for long periods of time
- the use of wheelchairs, mobility scooters, or walking aids such as sticks and crutches
- behaviours which indicate a task might be challenging such as displaying extreme fatigue, pain signals or problems with fine motor coordination
Not all disabilities are visible, while some people live with conditions such as chronic pain, fatigue, neurological conditions or other health issues that may not be immediately obvious. Some people may choose to wear a sunflower lanyard, other won’t.
Be patient and respectful all people's needs even if they are not immediately obvious what they are or what is needed.
Respond
Remember, you do not need fix any situation. Your role is to help the person feel respected, supported, and comfortable.
Being respectful and supportive
Never assume knowledge of the disability the person has and how to help without asking the person beforehand, intervening by for example grabbing and holding items or pushing a person wheelchair without prior consent can make the person feel they’re having their autonomy taken away.
Instead ask if they need any help and look to undertake practical measures to help support them.
Practical steps include:
- Be patient with the person as why may simply need more time than others.
- Offer practical support to help them navigate the area, carry items, hold open doors.
- Ensure your business is accessible and easy to navigate for people with physical disabilities, have readily available tools to improve access such as ramps.
Support
Small practical actions often have the greatest impact:
- Ask them if they need help before intervening.
- Offer practical and easy steps to make it easier to navigate the space.
- Ensure your business is accessible (wheelchair ramps, space in walkways, clear signage).
Safe Spaces are about compassion, not clinical intervention. A calm presence, respectful listening and small practical support can make a powerful difference and make your location more accessible.
Signposting
If someone needs further support, you may be able to guide them towards appropriate local services.
If the person is unwell, injured, or requires urgent medical help, call 999 or assist them in accessing the Emergency Department at Bedford Hospital.
If someone requires non-emergency medical advice, they can contact NHS 111 or their GP.
Local support
Bedford Shopmobility
Bedford Shopmobility provides mobility scooters and wheelchairs for people with limited mobility to help them access Bedford town centre independently. This is located within the Bus Station, and is staffed with support.
Bedford Borough Council – Adult Social Care
Support and advice for adults who may need help with daily living, accessibility, equipment, or care needs.
https://www.bedford.gov.uk/social-care-and-health/adult-social-care/support-we-can-offer-you
Bedfordshire Disability Resource Centre (DRC)
Bedfordshire Disability Resource Centre (DRC) provides advice, information and advocacy for disabled people, including support with independent living, benefits and accessibility.
Transport and accessibility
If someone is struggling to travel safely, you may be able to suggest:
Further information
Staff who would like to learn more about supporting people with physical disabilities may find the following resources helpful:
- Scope - Guidance on disability inclusion and accessibility.
- Disability Support - Information on health services and support for disabled people.