Article Link: http://exchangepress.com/article/answering-childrens-questions-about-peers-with-special-needs/5010555/
It was the fourth of July and all the neighborhood families gathered to watch fireworks. Sara's mother noticed her staring at a little boy on the blanket next to them. He didn't have arms and was using his feet to play with toys and eat his dinner. Sara pulled her arms inside her T-shirt and took off her shoes. She tried to use her feet to play with her toys. Sara's mother said to her, "I see you noticed that boy doesn't have arms. He uses his feet well to eat and play, doesn't he?" On the way home, Sara commented to her mother, "He really does have arms, doesn't he, mom? They're just inside his shirt, right?" Sara was still trying to understand what she saw.Children and adults notice and comment when they see a person who looks or acts differently. If you respond to questions about disabilities with clear and accurate information, you let children know that it is acceptable to talk openly about differences. Your words provide a positive model they can use to talk sensitively and respectfully about differences and disabilities. Your answers help them learn ...