338: What Does Presuming Competence Actually Look Like?
Shownotes
“Presume competence” is a phrase we hear often in the disability community. But what does it mean when someone also needs significant support?
This week, Heather and Micha talk through the tension between believing there may be more happening than we can see and honoring a person exactly as they are. They share stories about school routines, communication, reading, and friendship—and ask what changes when we lead with curiosity instead of assumptions.
In this episode:
Why presuming competence starts with seeing someone’s full humanity, rather than measuring what they can do.
How behavior or limited speech can obscure a person’s interests, needs, and desire for connection.
What it looks like to offer age-appropriate opportunities while providing real support.
Related listening: Episode 337 on belonging and inclusion, Episode 335 on autonomy, and Episodes 313–314 on apraxia and motor planning.
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