Teaching Children About Disabilities

I’m behind the ball on this - I wanted to post closer to when school started. But it’s never too late to teach your kids about their peers who have disabilities and differences. 

I’ve found countless articles and posts online and on social media from other families that help navigate these conversations. I’m happy to answer questions and provide guidance!

One common point: It’s not enough to just “be nice.” Especially when young minds haven’t encountered differences before and have questions about wheelchairs, limb differences, atypical movements or sounds, leg braces, walkers, etc. Education is key to our children treating their disabled peers with dignity, kindness, and inclusion. 

- proximity is needed
- ask him/her to participate
- ask him/her to join the game
- be an includer
- be an inviter

It’s a basic human need to want to feel loved and included. 
Parents: Are you modeling this with your children? Who are YOU inviting into your circle?

The amazing advocate, Miggy, has some great guidelines to teach your children about disability: 

1. Everyone is different
2. Questions are okay, as long as they’re kind
3. Find common ground
4. People with disabilities are differently-abled
5. Encourage your child to build a genuine friendship with someone differently-abled

This writer has cerebral palsy and gave these summarized tips:

1. Explain that people with disabilities are like everyone else, but they might do things differently, in their own unique ways.
2. Try to make it easier for children to understand by explaining the challenges people with disabilities may face in a way everyone can relate to. Just as someone needs to wear glasses to help them see, someone with a disability needs a walker to help them walk.
3. Encourage children to include kids with disabilities in their activities.
4. Explain that disabilities are not contagious.

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Earlier this year I was in the swim class changing room with another Mom and daughter across the benches from us. The little girl said “Hi Hannah!” and gave Hannah a wave. The girl told her Mom Hannah was in class with her. I felt my throat closing up out of gratitude and happiness; a peer saw Hannah as equal - she had no preconceived thoughts. I can only hope that her family keeps her pointed down a path of acceptance.