Talking to kids about disabilities starts with finding the ways we are all the same.
Published: October 27, 2020
By: Sarah Lyons
“Why do you talk like that?” I heard the question come from behind me as I helped another child in the Sunday school class. “It’s just the way I am.” I heard my sister-in-law wisely answer the curious boy.
My sister-in-law, Kara, was born with cerebral palsy. She was helping me in the classroom that day when one of the kids noticed her speech is different. Kara has been taught to answer “It’s just the way I am” after years of questions about her differences.
Our kids have grown up around their beloved Aunt Kara and accept her as she is, but there came a time when each of them have asked about Kara’s disability and why it makes her different.
Chances are, at some point, your child will meet someone at school or in the community that has disabilities. It is normal for children to have questions about people who are different, which means parents should be prepared to answer their questions in an intelligent and appropriate way.
The key to talking about children with disabilities is to put the child first, said Tonya Ricker, the coordinator of Family Support Services with Arc Broward. “They are not their disability. It’s not cerebral palsy and then the girl, it’s a girl with cerebral palsy.”
Ricker said parents should model the acceptance they want their kids to have. “Teach kindness and sensitivity,” she said. “Teach they are people before their disability. I think that really helps put it into perspective for a lot of children.”
How to start the conversation
Talking openly and honestly with your children is also important. Here are some tips to get the conversation started:
Everyone is different but the same. All of us have unique gifts, personalities and challenges. No two people are the same, and this is a great thing because diversity makes life interesting and fun. While we are all different, everyone has things in common, too. All people, including people with disabilities, want to have friends, be shown respect and have the desire to be accepted. Encourage your child to embrace the differences of 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 interested, too. Ask them what they love to do. I would guess they would be happy to tell you.
There are different types of disabilities. 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 disability that is not as visible. Explain in simple terms that people struggle with different things and may need a little extra help from a physical tool (like a wheelchair) or help from others. 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 does not mean they have a cognitive disability. Also, disabilities are not contagious, and children are not going to “catch” the disability. These things may sound obvious to adults, but children process things differently, and many have these questions.
Name-calling is never OK. 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. Your child can be an example to others by being kind and respectful. Parents can set an example by using positive language and behavior toward others, as well.
How to handle “rude” comments. Kids are curious and love to ask questions. Many times they will speak exactly what is on their mind, without thinking about whether the comments will be hurtful. This can be very embarrassing to parents. So what do you do if your child blurts out a rude and embarrassing comment? Start by answering calmly and matter-of-factly. If, for example, your child asks, “Why is that boy in a wheelchair?” Simply answer, “He needs it to move around. Why don’t you say hello?” If the child is reluctant, say hello to him yourself along with something like “John likes trains. Do you like trains, too?” If the person accompanying the child responds, follow their lead. It is always better to treat others as you would like to be treated than to hurry away in an embarrassing situation. Later, when you are at home, you can ask your child if they have any other questions about others with disabilities and reinforce the value of treating everyone equally.
My sister-in-law, now 38, has been asked many questions over the years, some rude and some just curious. She has learned to handle them well because she knows that, just like anyone else, she has challenges to overcome and successes to celebrate. Kara loves watching movies, dancing to music and taking care of animals. She loves eating candy, pizza and tacos. She is fun to be around and loves to get out and explore new places. People with disabilities are just people. Sometimes that simple fact is all kids need to know.
Learn More
Learn more about programs to support people with disabilities at http://www.ArcBroward.com. Several organizations are built around fostering relationships among children with different abilities, including Best Buddies and The Friendship Circle.