How Should I Talk to My Child About Disability?
Explore our tips and resources on how to talk to children about disability.
If your child does not have disabilities, the conversation is easier than you think - kids are good at understanding and accepting other’s differences!
If your child sees someone with a disability in public and stares or makes a comment, that’s a great opportunity to pull them aside and explain how everybody and mind is unique; while people may look, speak, or think differently, everyone deserves respect.
Let your child know they should treat people with disabilities the same as anyone without disabilities, and if they have questions, it’s okay to ask them. Take time at home to talk about disability.
If your child has disabilities, they might struggle to accept their disability or have trouble socializing and making friends. Self-acceptance is hard for anyone, especially if your child doesn’t know anyone else with disabilities.
Answer any questions your child has as best you can, and don’t be afraid to look online for authentic voices and stories from other people with disabilities.
Easterseals also offers communities for support, including our Thrive program, which brings together young women with disabilities online. Having positive disability mentors can make a world of difference in your child’s life.
Resources:
Easterseals - Facts About Specific Disabilities
The Disability Visibility Project
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