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