Celebrate International Day of People with Disabilities

3-minute read

Dec. 3 is International Day of People with Disabilities. This day aims to promote awareness and understanding of disabilities and promote political and social inclusion and participation of people who live with them.

More than a billion people in the world live with disabilities, according to the World Health Organization. Take time to learn and share your knowledge of disabilities with the young people in your life. Some children may not have a complete understanding of what it means to have a disability, but there are things you can do to support inclusion and acceptance.

We're all the same, and we're all different

Around age 2, kids start learning about the idea of "same and different." You can use this concept to help teach your child about disabilities.

Start a conversation by pointing out that your child will have similarities and differences with every person they meet — even you. Be clear that differences are not bad, they are what make people unique.

A disability may affect things you see about a person, such as how someone walks or talks. Disabilities may also affect things you can't see, such as how a person communicates, learns, processes sensory information, or thinks.

If your child goes to daycare or preschool, they may have met children who are at a different developmental level than they are. Some children also have developmental delays, either with or without a disability.

If your child notices these differences, promote an understanding that we all learn at a different pace. With support, many children with developmental delays can catch up to their peers.

Everyone uses tools

Children are naturally curious about the world around them. They may wonder why someone uses a wheelchair or a hearing aid. Explain how these tools remove barriers and allow people to live their best lives.

For example, you could say, "You and I use our voices to talk with each other. Some people aren't able to use their voices, but they still have a lot of things to talk about. Instead of using their voice, they might use pictures or a special tablet instead."

People with disabilities are a part of our community

In the community, talk with your child about accessibility. Here are a few examples:

• Accessible bathrooms make it easier for people to get on or off the toilet or reach the sink.
• Curb cutouts make it easier and safer for people who use canes, walkers, and wheelchairs.
• Signs that beep or talk make it safer for people who are blind to cross the street.

It's OK to have questions

Let your child know that it's OK to respectfully ask people with disabilities about their experiences and the tools they use. However, ensure they know it's never OK to touch someone's body, communication device, service dog, wheelchair, or other assistive devices without asking for permission.

Reid Health Pediatric Therapy providers have a wealth of experience helping children with and without disabilities. Request an appointment.