Learning how to treat those with a disability; that was the focus of a special seminar put on for some Staten Island professionals Tuesday.  NY1’s Lindsay Tuchman filed the following report.

A group of Richmond University Medical Center employees role played Tuesday to learn what it's like to live with a disability.

It was part of a “Disability Ally Initiative” seminar put on by local nonprofit "Person Centered Care Services."

"I think a lot of times as professionals working in the field we already feel like we're doing our best, and mostly we are,” Associate Executive Director of Operations Alexa Donnelly said. “But it's always good to re-evaluate and see if we could do it a little bit better so conversations like this and trainings like this really kind of spark that and allow that new idea to come through."

The training session teaches people how they can better serve those who are disabled.

PCCS Community Building Coordinator Erica Santiago explained the most important tip is treating them as equals.

"Just because someone does something a little bit differently,” she said. “Doesn't make it wrong, it just makes it a little bit different."

Therapist Laura Fleyscher frequently works with people with disabilities, and said something she learned is to provide customized support through direct communication.

"People with disabilities have become self-advocates and their participation in treatment is extremely important,” she said.

Volunteer Cory Cox uses his own disability to help teach others about how to be an ally.

"Just to talk to people about it and help people stay happy and stuff,” he said “I love to enjoy everything!"

This is just one of more than 100 sessions the organization has already held with more than 500 people, with the hopes of spreading the knowledge across the borough.

"A lot of places are really just stepping up to the plate and are being open to servicing and working with people in a different way that they didn't realize they were doing maybe slightly incorrect before,” Santiago said.

Person Centered Care Services has more training sessions scheduled this summer to teach small changes that can make a big difference.