Once when my son was in school, a group of bullies were making fun and
teasing him about his disabled mom.  He came into the house and pointed to
this group. I was at the door and couldn't understand what was going on.

Joyce
----- Original Message -----
From: R. Hintz <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Monday, December 06, 1999 3:31 AM
Subject: Talking to kids about disabilities


> I agree that in the case of kids, especially young ones, its important to
> answer their question in the most kid-friendly way possible. To rebuff
their
> natural and innocent curiosity only creates the fear that people with
> disabilities battle everyday.
>
> When my daughter started attending a preschool at an elementary school,
she
> started getting questions from other kids about my disability. So, for
> preschool and Kindergarten I have done a 15 minute presentation to her
class
> about people with disabilities. It has been very enthusiastically received
by
> the school and the students. I will continue to do this as long as the
> faculty accepts my offer.
>
> I think its important to give the message that disabilities are OK to talk
> about and that people with disabilities are approachable and just like
> everyone else. I also hope to avert any teasing my kids might receive
because
> of my disability. The best way I can think of is to keep the discussion
open.
>
> This does not mean revealing intimate medical details. I've given simple
> answers like "because my legs aren't as strong as other people's" or
"because
> that's how God made me."
>
> The rudest and most inappropriate questions I receive have always been
from
> adults. Renee
>