In my opinion this topic is one of the most important we can discuss.  First,
I'll define "kids" as children 10 years or younger.  Political activisim,
lobbying, etc by PWD's is wonderful, but in my opinion, "awareness" education
of the young children is even more powerful because as Renee pointed out, "To
rebuff (children) their natural and innocent curiosity only creates the fear
that people with disabilities battle everyday."

I had a very disturbing experience along this vein.  As traumatic as being
ridiculed and spit on by other children when I was a child, something which
happened when I was an adult disturbed me even more.  I was food shopping and
a young girl (about 5/6 years old) was staring at me.  Each time I walked
down the isle she continued to stare.  I glanced down in her direction (I was
going to give her a big smile) but instead I witnessed her mother slapping
her across the face and scolding her for staring at me.

I was enraged!  This perhaps "well-meaning" mother in one fell slap showed
her daugter in no uncertain terms that people who are different should be
feared.  Now this child has a bad memory/experience associated with someone
who walks differently.

I marched down to the woman and said, "Exuse me!  Your daugter did nothing
wrong.  There was no need to repremand her.  She's just curious and it's a
perfectly natural reaction."  The woman gave me a really dirty look and
hurried off, embarassed and upset, without really saying anything.

As to how to answer a child's question, I usually respond similar to Renee,
"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.' "  OR try to help a small child relate to the
experiene like Linda Wagner."  Depending on their age and level of
comprehension, my answer as to "Why do you walk that way," or "Are your legs
broken?" I say, "This is how God made my legs.  Just like God made your eyes
blue and your mom's hair brown, God made my legs like this."  This normally
satisfys them.

As to Betty wondering why the little girl approached her rather than her male
companion, I have a theory that it wasn't because she wasn't necessarily
afraid of him, but because in general young children are naturally drawn and
more comfortable with women "mom types" than men.- no matter what their
stature."

There are many ads on tv - "erase the hate, etc"  There is an effort being
made to promote the idea that different doesn't mean bad.  Of course all the
media hype isn't going to accomplish the task alone.  We each need to do our
part.  When confronted with questions, be honest, simple and direct.
Remember, the children of today are the society of OUR future.  They will
become the law makers who help shape the world.  Wouldn't it be nice if these
children had some good memories and expereinces with PWD's rather than dark
memories colored by fear and ignorance?  - That's just my opinion:  Denise.