Personal Interview Instructions
Directions: Each student will arrange a personal interview with an individual who has
Each student will arrange a personal interview with an individual who has had or is having an experience with a disabling condition – a chronic illness, substance
use disorder, physical or mental disability– that is covered in this course. The individual
can be a friend, co-worker, family member, etc. When you ask the person for the
interview, let them know the interview will be concerning their disability. If they are
uncomfortable, do not pressure the person to do the interview; choose another person to
ask.
Students will turn in a typed (3-4 pages minimum) summary of the interview along with
impressions of the interview process and the interviewee. Please be sure to use person-
first language and APA format in your reports. This assignment will be worth a total of
100 points.
Directions: Each student will arrange a personal interview with an individual who has
Each student will arrange a personal interview with an individual who has had or is having an experience with a disabling condition – a chronic illness, substance
use disorder, physical or mental disability– that is covered in this course. The individual
can be a friend, co-worker, family member, etc. When you ask the person for the
interview, let them know the interview will be concerning their disability. If they are
uncomfortable, do not pressure the person to do the interview; choose another person to
ask.
Students will turn in a typed (3-4 pages minimum) summary of the interview along with
impressions of the interview process and the interviewee. Please be sure to use person-
first language and APA format in your reports. This assignment will be worth a total of
100 points.
Interview Etiquette
**The Best Tip: Ask the expert (the person you are interviewing) about how best to
provide their accommodation.
Before the Interview
- Ask the interviewee if they require any specific accommodation. (Wheelchair
access, quiet place, interpreter, etc.) If unsure about how to provide the
accommodation, ask the interviewee. - Allow plenty of time for the interview. Some accommodations require additional
time (for example: interpreters, speech boards, etc.) During the interview - When interviewing a person with disability, speak directly to that person and
maintain eye contact rather than interacting directly with an interpreter or
companion - Use the same speaking style and manner as you usually do. Speak in relaxed,
everyday tones - When talking with a person with a hearing loss, be sure to face them and do not
cover your mouth when you speak. Place yourself so that you face the light source
and are not backlit. Make sure you talk when the person is looking at you. - When meeting an interviewee who has a visual impairment, identify yourself and
others who may be with you. When conversing in a group, remember to identify
the person to whom you are speaking. - Listen attentively when you are talking with a person who has difficulty speaking.
Be patient and wait for the person to finish, rather than correcting or speaking for
them. Never pretend to understand if you are having difficulty doing so. Instead,
repeat what you have understood and allow the person to respond. -
Shake hands when greeting a person with a disability. People with prosthetics or
limited hand motion usually shake hands
Audio Recording (Optional)
You may want to audio record the interview. Generally, the interview should be 45-60
minutes, but may be longer. While recording, ask the individual’s permission to record
the interview and indicate to them that the recording is required for a course assignment
and will only be used by you (the interviewer) and the instructor. It will not be played in
class. You are recording the interview so that you may focus on the conversation rather
than trying to take notes while you are speaking with your interviewee. Listen to the
recording of your interview to help you write up your report. Please erase the recording
after completing the assignment.
minutes, but may be longer. While recording, ask the individual’s permission to record
the interview and indicate to them that the recording is required for a course assignment
and will only be used by you (the interviewer) and the instructor. It will not be played in
class. You are recording the interview so that you may focus on the conversation rather
than trying to take notes while you are speaking with your interviewee. Listen to the
recording of your interview to help you write up your report. Please erase the recording
after completing the assignment.
Suggested Topics / Questions (Ask these at minimum)…
- What does the person perceive their disability to be? (this might not always be what
their diagnostician or doctor would say it is) - How/when did they acquire the disability?
- What symptoms, if any, do they currently experience?
- How does the disability affect their daily activities?
- Do they work? If so, what do they do?
- Do they use accommodations on their job?
- Do they use any assistive technology at home or work? If so, what is it?
- What are their goals or dreams?
- What do they wish everyone knew or understood about having a disability? You can
rephrase these questions and ask in your own words.
Ask follow-up questions as needed. You can ask about other topics that interest you
about the person, but do respect the person’s wishes if they refuse to answer a question.
about the person, but do respect the person’s wishes if they refuse to answer a question.
Adapted in part from National Center on Disability and Journalism. www.ncdj.org
***The ONE source for this assignment is an assigned book for this class, below is the link to access it:
https://www2.jblearning.com/my-account/dashboard/products
My Username & Password to get into website:
- USERNAME: tseion.*******************
- PASSWORD: Orange2222$
*** It is the only active book I have on there: Medical & Psychological Aspects of Chronic Illness and Disability, Sixth Edition. You just press on it and launch the book. ****