In understanding that a person with a disability experiences oppression, you understand fully the challenges that this minority faces. For a Library and Information Science professional, it would be important to understand that oppression. Many persons with disabilities are often treated in a condescending manner, which does nothing to help them feel like they are just the same as every other person. If a Library and Information Science professional can understand how this particular treatment of a person with a disability is the wrong way to go about things, they can help their disabled patrons to feel more at home in their public library.
In treating a person with a disability how they would any other patron, it helps the disabled person to feel less oppressed. If the person needs help, they will usually ask, so it is important for library professionals not to automatically assume that all persons with disabilities need help. However, if it looks as though the person is struggling, it is important for the library professional not to ignore that person and come to their aid. It's a balance between being helpful without being overly so, and being kind without making it seem as though the kindness is forced.
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