Massage Therapy Journal Fall 2024

34 • Massage Therapy Journal

I nclusion in the workplace means an environment where all individuals, regardless of their background, are welcomed and valued. An inclusive workplace fosters a culture that reflects the diversity of service providers in the profession and the populations they serve. By prioritizing this mindset, professionals uphold their ethical standards, improve their cultural competency and become socially responsible. Inclusion is also essential to professional growth and creates a space in which others want to be a part.

perform a major life activity without some form of accommodation or assistance. For example, a person who has a missing leg and cannot walk unassisted. • A handicap is a disadvantage created because of the disability, which limits or prevents the person’s participation in community and activities. For example, a person who uses a wheelchair cannot enter a building that has stairs instead of a ramp or a lift.

Impairment

In this course, we will identify barriers that hamper a person with impairments or disabilities from accessing massage therapy, including physical and architectural barriers, communication barriers and barriers found in office policies and procedures. Next, we will identify the needs of people with specific impairments and learn ways to provide reasonable accommodations and modifications. Lastly, we will examine our massage procedures and discover ways to modify them to work safely with disabled people. This will ensure that everyone can receive the many benefits of massage, including reduced pain and stress, increased function and improved quality of life. Defining Impairment, Disability and Handicap: Understanding Terminology The terms impairment, disability and handicap are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings that help describe their physical and social impact on the individual. In general, impairments describe a loss of function, disabilities refer to activity limitations and handicaps often refer to social disadvantages. 1 Depending on the situation, each can be temporary, short-term, long-term or permanent. • Impairments occur when a part of the body is not functioning properly or is missing, which causes a loss of function. For example, a person who has a spinal cord injury or is missing an arm. • A disability occurs when the impairment or medical condition interferes with the ability to

Disability

Handicap

Interacting with Clients with Impairments and Disabilities

The primary principle when interacting and preparing to interact with people who have impairments and disabilities is called the Platinum Rule , which states you should treat people the way they want to be treated and is distinct from the Golden Rule , which says you should treat people the way you want to be treated. Interacting with people with impairments and disabilities calls for a more empathetic approach. Regardless of a person’s impairment or disability, a few basic guidelines apply. You might consider doing the following in your practice. • On your website, include a disability access statement inviting clients with disabilities to request accommodations. A sample access statement: “Access provided for people with

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