Talking to Kids About Disabilities
by Sarah Lyons
At some point, your child is likely to meet someone at school or in the community who has disabilities. It’s normal for children to have questions about people who are different, and parents should be prepared to answer their questions in an intelligent and appropriate way. Here are some tips to get the conversation started. n Everyone is different,
n Types of disabilities
n Name calling
All of us have unique gifts, personalities, and challenges. No two people are the same; diversity makes life interesting. While we’re all different, everyone has things in common too. Everyone, including people with disabilities, wants to have friends, be respected, and be accepted. Encourage your child to embrace the differences in others and find common ground. If your child is interested in a popular television show, book, toy or game; chances are a person with special needs is too. Ask them what they love to do; they’ll probably be happy to tell you.
Some disabilities are obvious and some are not. Some people may need a walker or wheelchair to help them move around. Others may have a cognitive (thinking) disability that is not as visible. Explain in simple terms that people struggle with different things and may need a little extra help. People can have impairments with sight, hearing, walking, speech, cognitive or a variety of other things. It is important to note that just because someone is in a wheelchair, it doesn’t mean they have a cognitive disability. Also, disabilities are not contagious and children are not going to “catch” the disability. This may sound obvious to adults, but children process things differently and many have these questions.
Emphasize that people with disabilities have feelings too. Name calling is hurtful, disrespectful and is a form of bullying. People with disabilities need others to stand up for them when they cannot stand up for themselves. Encourage your child to tell an adult if kids are teasing another child. He can be an example to others by being kind and respectful. Parents can set an example by using positive language and behavior towards others, as well.
but the same
36 Atlanta Parent November 2019
is never OK
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