The physical layout of the workplace may need to be adapted or re-arranged to allow for greater access. The training manuals may need to have a couple of copies in different formats – braille, sign language, aduio, textphone, etc. Any of these formats and many more can greatly aid the learning of these members of staff.

So, when planning your training and development courses, etc, ensure you incorporate methods that will be apropriate to all members of your staff.

Listening: Showing interest in a person is very important for communication, after all communication isn’t one way. Imagine talking to a person and they turned around and say “sorry, what?” it just isn’t going to help in any conversation.

Confidence: Speaking confidently gives off a feeling that this person has some sort of importance and knowledge on the subject area thus making you feel it is worth listening too. Other ways to improve effective communication is to look a person directly in the eyes – those that avoid eye contact tend to lack in confidence.

Questions: Another aspect of conversation is how you ask your questions. Try to be a little more open-ended, it will get you further than asking questions which will be answered by a yes or no.

Knowledge: Knowledge of the subject area is obviously a good starting point to the conversation. Having a wide range of knowledge means you are more likely to be a well rounded individual. Those who read alot, are aware of current events, or travel and experience life a lot, generally tend to be more joyful to talk too.