A person arrives with a supporter, and the conversation immediately turns towards the supporter: “What does she need?” The person at the centre of the discussion is still there, but the wording has moved them out of it. Begin by speaking directly to the person.
Ask how they prefer to communicate and whether they would like their companion involved. Someone may use speech, writing, a communication device, gestures, or a combination. The presence of support does not tell you which method they use or what decisions they want someone else to help with.
Allow time for the response
After asking a question, pause. Do not fill every silence by repeating it more loudly or turning to the companion. A person using a device or processing information may need time to respond. Follow their lead about pace and the amount of information offered at once.
If you do not understand, say so respectfully and ask how to clarify. Pretending to understand can create a practical problem later. Offer options such as writing something down without insisting that your preferred method is the only workable one.
Keep assistance within the person’s preference
A supporter may provide useful context or help interpret communication, with the person’s involvement. Continue directing the conversation towards the person rather than treating the supporter as the automatic decision-maker. Where formal decision-making arrangements apply, follow the relevant process while preserving participation as far as possible.
Do not touch a mobility aid, communication device, or the person themselves without permission, except where an immediate emergency requires appropriate action. Ask before helping and accept that help may not be wanted.
At the end, check that the person has the information in a usable form and knows the next step. Inclusion often depends on these ordinary conversational choices: whom you address, how long you wait, and whether the person can shape the interaction.