Teaching Disability Awareness
When Tonja Eagan asked me for an interview on television my first response was a loud “No!” I am a seasoned public speaker, but the thought of all those TV cameras and lights scared me. The fear of failure had also prompted my no.
She gently emphasized the interview was focused on disability awareness as kids were heading back to school.
I have two children who are differently abled. I’ve heard the whispers and have been asked “what’s wrong with them.” So, I reminded myself how much awareness is needed.
Did you know?
◾️Kids who are differently abled are three times more likely to be 𝐛𝐮𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐝 at school.
◾️Disability 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 cases in schools are at their highest levels in years.
◾️Students with disabilities are twice as likely to be 𝐬𝐮𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝 compared to their non-disabled peers.
In my interview, I shared advice for parents to create more inclusivity:
➡️ Encourage your kids to start with 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐨. Engaging with peers with special needs can begin there, and not avoiding them in the hallways.
➡️ Teach your kids to be brave enough to 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐤 𝐮𝐩 when they hear jokes, slurs, or see others pointing or making fun—it’s not acceptable.
➡️ Remind them not to stay silent 𝐢𝐟 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥𝐬 𝐰𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠 in the locker room, on the playground, or anywhere else—make sure they know how and who to report it to.
As your kids prepare to go back to school, take a moment for more than just shopping for supplies and clothes. Have these important conversations. Role model the change you want to see --- and be.
That day on that TV show, I role modeled for my kids, how to feel the fear and do it anyway.
