Answer by LegalEagle™ staff, Northcote 3070 VIC

• There are some guidelines for solicitors when interviewing clients with intellectual disabilities.
• You should conduct the interview in a quiet location with limited distractions.
• You need to clearly state who you are and why you are doing the interview. You may need to repeat yourself multiple times and express yourself in different terms.
• You should try to be calm and natural in your communications.
• Try to use simple language and avoid using legal terminology.
• Try to adopt the person's own terminology. This will make them feel more comfortable and they will find you easier to understand.
• If there is a support person present you should make sure that you still speak directly to your client rather than via the support person.
• Make sure you allow more time for the interview than normal.
• To check a person's understanding of what you have said you can ask them to repeat things back to you in their own words.
• If your client is distressed or tired do not hesitate to take a short break.
• Avoid using questions that suggest an answer. This means use open questions instead of leading questions.
• Never raise your voice or get angry with your client.