How can you help peers with disabilities set boundaries?

Always speak calmly and respectfully. Be a role model. Don't talk down to peers with disabilities.What often works for me and my adult daughter (not a peer) is to role play. Boundaries for a disabled person may be quite different than yours, but must be respected. You can even acknowledge individual differences after stating your own boundaries: "You may like hugging, but I prefer a handshake. How would you like it if I touched you as part of an instruction without asking first? My daughter hates being touched without asking permission.

Listen to them with empathy, try to get a small experience of their world.Once you have that access then you would automatically find out the way to reach to them. All of us have a unique style of learning like we are visual learners,auditory learners etc. Find out what type of learner is your colleague. Many a times having a step by step pictorial code of conduct helps them remember the rules better.

I really recommend making this step joined with the second one (validating their experiences). What I find that may happen, even with well-intentioned individuals, is the ability to react and interject and begin to ask questions. This is a phase where less speaking and more listening is really important. It's not what "we" think, it's truly about active and full listening.

I would advise reviewing the language and tone of this. Firstly, identity-first, rather than 'person first' language is preferred by many - so 'disabled people', not 'people with disabilities'. This accords with the social model of disability (essential reading) which posits that people don't 'have' disabilities (like illnesses or handbags) they are disabled by society and attitudes towards them. Many consider they have an alternate identity and are not flawed or lesser. Secondly people are disabled by colleagues' prejudices, perceptions and attitudes. Offering them 'help' in setting their own boundaries is disempowering and patronising. Instead this article should talk about how the readers can examine their own privilege and prejudice.

Disability is not inability they don't need empathy rather they need someone who gives them real solutions of what they are going through. They always fit in the society only they need is how they relate to the situation comes by giving directions

This is the second time I will use the word "Fully." It is about fully validating them. Asking a ton of questions (or even a few) can be seen as pushback. This is what your peers feel, not what we think.

Supporting peers with disabilities in setting boundaries involves active communication and empathy. Listen attentively, respect their preferences, and encourage open discussions about their comfort levels. Be mindful of physical and emotional boundaries, and offer assistance only when explicitly requested. Consider individual needs and preferences, as everyone's comfort zones differ. Additionally, educate others about the importance of respecting boundaries to create an inclusive and supportive environment.

People with disabilities are often used to having boundaries not respected due to bodies being medicalised. Therefore, reminding them it's ok to ask for their needs to be met helps them to start thinking about the boundaries to set. This is particularly important in the workplace where people with disabilities are susceptible to having boundaries crossed, creating potentially psychologically unsafe environments.