12/10/2025
Fundamental # 2- Learning from our clients by Shelbi Richardson
Every client is unique in his or her own way and each has something to teach us. See beyond their challenges and limitations and help them achieve their potential. Empower people rather than doing for them.
It is not passive; it’s an active, intentional process that helps you deliver better results, strengthen relationships, and adapt to their real needs. These fundamentals apply across Industries.
The fundamental learning from our individuals involves understanding their unique needs and preferences and using the teacher’s method to assess understanding. It is essential to tailor health messages to match the individual’s unique needs and communicate learning effectively with the individual and the interprofessional team.
Learning from our individuals matters and they often navigate the world in ways that may not be considered.
Many individuals need support in developing strong skills in:
• Adapting to unexpected challenges
• Persevering through obstacles
• Advocating for themselves and others
Interacting with our individuals with varying abilities helps us:
• Understand diverse needs
• Communicate more effectively
• Build more inclusive systems, design, and environments
Learning from disabled people's experiences can spark new ideas in:
• Technology
• Education
• Design
• Policy
Understanding each individual's traits can inspire more creative thinking in their homes, workplaces, day programs and communities to help them have a better quality of life.
Bio: My name is Shelbi Richardson I joined The Arc of Opportunity 5 months ago, I truly love the individuals I work with, being new to Massachusetts and away from my family, The Arc of Opportunity has become my home away from home it has been a pleasure learning about all the amazing things offered at this program.
