Introduction: Conversations are an important part of our daily lives as they help us connect with others and build meaningful relationships. Conversation starters can be especially challenging for adults with disabilities due to a range of communication barriers, but here are some conversation starters to help get the conversation flowing:
1. What are some of your favorite hobbies or activities? – This is a great way to learn about a person’s interests and talent, and can help them feel comfortable talking about something they love.
2. What did you do over the weekend? – Although weekend plans might be different for those with disabilities, it is always nice to share and get to know what each other did.
3. What do you like most about your job? – Work can be especially meaningful and important to people with disabilities as it helps further their independence.
4. What technology do you use that makes your life easier? – This can help start a conversation about assistive tech, as well as get individuals with disabilities to talk about the different tools they use.
5. Have you read any good books lately? – Talking about books can be a great way to bond over shared interests.
6. What is your favorite movie or TV show? – This can help bring up common threads the individuals have and offer an easy starting point for a conversation.
7. What is the last restaurant you ate at? – Sharing experiences of favorite places to eat creates a fun commonality.
8. What was the last thing you learned or accomplished? – Helping them share their accomplishments is beneficial for self-confidence as well as starting an interesting conversation.
9. How do you use technology to help you? – Discussing assistive technologies is really important and it’s also interesting to learn how they make tasks easier.
10. What was the best gift you ever received? – Talking about gifts can open up a meaningful dialogue about family and relationships, as well as what makes a person happy.
11. What’s the funniest thing that has ever happened to you? – Sharing funny stories can bring levity and lighthearted conversation to any conversation.
12. What do you miss most about the way life was before the pandemic? – This is bound to spark a range of responses, as well as some positive dates about the ways in which individuals with disabilities have adapted.
13. Have you ever traveled to a different country? – Great conversation starter to discuss past experiences and travels or even dream of where they’d like to go in the future.
14. What is your favorite type of music? – Music is often a great way to bring people together and can spark interesting conversations.
15. Who is the most interesting person you have ever met and why? – This can help open up a dialogue about what makes someone interesting, as well as shared experiences.
16. What are some new skills you are learning? – Bring into focus the growth mindset so many individuals with disabilities have and get a better perspective on their lives.
17. What kind of stories do you like to hear? – Help connect them to the stories and conversations that interests them the most.
18. What makes you the most proud of yourself? – Help foster and bring into focus their strengths and accomplishments.
19. What is the best advice you ever received? – Get them to reflect on the guidance that matters most to them.
20. What is a goal you hope to accomplish in the future? – This can help bring into light their ambitions, as well as offer a positive way to frame conversation.