During an initial client consultation with a person who has difficulty communicating, what approach should the CIFT take?

In an initial consultation, the most effective approach for a Certified Inclusive Fitness Trainer (CIFT) working with a person who has difficulty communicating is to speak directly with the client, while remaining open to involving the assistant if necessary. This method demonstrates respect for the client's autonomy and acknowledges their ability to engage in the conversation, even if communication poses challenges.

By prioritizing direct communication with the client, the CIFT fosters a more inclusive environment, encouraging the individual to express their needs and preferences. This approach helps build rapport and trust, essential components of an effective trainer-client relationship. Additionally, if the client struggles to communicate clearly, the CIFT can then judiciously involve the assistant to clarify or assist in the conversation, ensuring that the client's voice remains central to the discussion.

While using a sign language interpreter could be appropriate in certain contexts, it assumes the individual uses sign language as their primary means of communication, which may not be the case for everyone. Engaging with an interpreter at the outset can unintentionally sideline the client from the conversation. Referring the individual to another facility would miss the opportunity to provide personalized support and understanding that could significantly benefit the client. Hence, directly addressing the individual, with the option of seeking additional communication support as needed