If you are the parent of a special needs child, you may be familiar with curious stares

from others.  It's common for children to be curious about what is different around

them.  There is no harm in it.  But if you are the parent of a special needs child, you

almost can't help but be offended.  It's hard to ignore the feeling of isolation those

stares can cause, and even questions like "what's wrong with you" or "why do you act

that way" can feel a parent with a sense of panic thinking about what their child

will have to endure.  So what's the solution?



WE NEED TO SPREAD DISABILITY AWARENESS!  It's that simple.  Children should

be exposed to others with unique abilities and different strengths.  By spreading 

knowledge about disabilities we can help to eliminate the feeling of separation many 

special needs children face.  Here are some activities to help promote 

disability awareness in your child. 



(1) Let's face it head on!  Talk to your child about disability bias. Do they know of any

one with a special need? If so, how do they react to them, what do they see others do?

Is it right or wrong? Encourage your child to brainstorm how to make disabled people

feel more welcome and appreciated for their unique gifts and abilities. Don't be afraid

to answer their questions head on.  It's okay to ask!  Let them learn, knowledge is power and most importantly it will give your child a familiarity to handle new situations.  Next time they come across an autistic classmate, or a child at the park in a wheelchair, it won't be curious stares or avoidance - they will have open arms of acceptance.  

(2) Step outside yourself! Challenge your child to explore what life is like for someone who is disabled. There is so much information out there to learn more about disabilities such as dyslexia, autism, spina bifida, PSTD, and more.  Encourage your child to think about the other person, their feelings.  Encourage them to think before they speak and act and most importantly, let them know that bullying is wrong.  If they witness it, they should report it.  



(3) Share Success Stories!  We aren't trying to build a sense for pity of children with disabilities.  We simply want to promote equality and acceptance.  Provide your child with a list of famous people with known disabilities. Ask them to discover what the disability was and how that person learned to cope with the disability. It is important that your child understands that having a different ability does not make it a disability.  



Red Door is committed to supporting "different - ability" awareness.  We love all our Red Door kids and see the talents in each of them.  Please join us in our mission!  Let's make this a better world, one step at a time, by reaching out and walking in love and acceptance.  



To learn more about our mission or to make a donation to support our programs for children with unique abilities, please contact us at admin@reddooropen.org.  Thank you!