posted
on Tuesday, August 20, 2024
It's back to school week and many of you have been feeling the rush of finding the perfect backpack and matching lunchbox set, laying out those first day of school outfits, labeling every last bit of school supplies, and heading to back to school night to meet your children's teachers.
At Exceptional Persons, Inc. we want to challenge you to add in just one more small task to your busy week - talk to your kids about disabilities and inclusion.
While there have been some great strides in improving disability education and inclusivity, we still have a ways to go. Educating your children on their peer's differing abilities can make all the difference this school year for your children and their friends.
Here's a great list to get started.*
- Embrace their curiosity: Kids are naturally curious and highly observant. Rather than turning away from the topic because it may feel "taboo", use this as an opportunity to learn and let them ask their questions.
- Be honest and direct: Give direct answers to their curiosity. For instance if your little one asks why someone has a feeding tube in their stomach, you could respond with, "That's Jack's feeding tube. Some people eat through their mouths like you do and others eat through their stomach, like Jack."
- Avoid making assumptions: Whether you know the person your child is asking about or not, avoid adding your own interpretation of how they may feel. Instead, take the time to get to know this individual by asking the person directly.
- Keep your explanations positive: If you use positive language with your child, they will continue to use that kind of language on their own when speaking of disabilities.
- Lead by example: When in an unfamiliar setting, kids often look to adults for guidance. Take the time to become aware of your own attitudes, beliefs and assumptions.
- Prepare for tough questions: At times, we can get embarrassed by our kids when they come off as rude by asking a potentially hurtful question. Instead of quieting them, address their questions in an appropriate way. Remember, kids are often just explaining what they see. For example, a child may ask "what's wrong with them?", you can respond with "It's okay to be curious - everyone is unique in their own way. It's important to be kind and respectful. "
- Talk about diversity: We are all different in some way. We can expand the notion of "normal" by talking to kids about diversity. An example would be "just as Kelly wears glasses to correct her vision, Jake is using an iPad to communicate."
- Emphasize similarities and shared interests: Avoid focusing solely on differences, doing so sends the message that people with disabilities are inherently different than other kids. Emphasize those similarities - all kids want the same thing - to play, be loved, to laugh, feel included and to participate in activities together. The more we can relate to each other, the better the understanding.
- Learn about disabilities together: As kids get older they are able to ask more complex questions and hope to receive complex answers. If asked a question you don't know the answer to, don't be afraid to use this as an opportunity to do some research and learn together!
- Facilitate conversation: For some kids making friends on the playground is easy. For others, including children with disabilities, this is not an easy task. Adults can help kids with and without disabilities to talk to each other, help them understand one another, and help them find common ground.
Talking to your children openly and honestly is the first step to living a more inclusive community - one that celebrates and embraces diversity.
*This list is a condensed version of the originally shared list found on Seattle Playgarden.