How to talk to children about disability: advice from the Ministry of Health
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As a result of the war in Ukraine, the number of people with disabilities is increasing, so adults should explain to children how to communicate with the injured. The Ministry of Health provided advice on how to communicate with children on such topics based on the materials of the “Barrier-Free Handbook” developed as part of the “Without Barriers” initiative of the First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska. “If you need to talk to the child about this topic, it is important first of all to be sincere, take into account the child’s age, condition and request, and be ready for possible questions,” the department emphasizes. Do not be afraid of the word “disability” First of all, it is important to understand that the child may be interested in details, so there may be many additional questions, but do not be afraid to say the word “disability”. At the same time, it is worth talking about the person first, and not focusing on his diagnosis or state of health. Instead of the words “disabled”, use the expression “person with a disability”, instead of “autist” – “child with autism”, etc. Remember: it’s okay not to know the answers to some questions, so be honest with your child and say that you don’t have an answer to a particular question at the moment, but you’ll definitely come back to the topic a little later. Photo: sofiiashunkina/Depositphotos Teach children to be tolerant. The Ministry of Health advises not to burden children with encyclopedic knowledge, because the mission of parents is to teach them the basic principles of tolerance and “put” in their heads the understanding that people are different and this is normal. “We are all special in our own way, so learning about the peculiarities of each person, taking them into account and learning how other people live is important and incredibly interesting,” the department emphasizes. Respect and equality are more important than pity The father should explain to children that equal and equal treatment of people is based on respect, not on fear or pity. It is important that children see in others first of all a person who needs support and understanding. Support is already a conversation on equal terms. The Ministry of Health also gave a situational example of how to talk to children: “The girl Tanya has a hearing impairment, this is her difference, like you have a swallow on your nose. Tanya communicates in sign language and you can also learn some phrases so that she understands you, and you could communicate with her.” Barrier-free Parents should explain to their children that the distinctive features of some people should not become a barrier in communicating with them. Note that this is the opposite – an opportunity to learn something useful and new. The attitude of the parents themselves towards people with disabilities is important. If your child communicates with such a person, do not disturb him, do not forbid him, but help him learn a tolerant attitude. Read also: “I’m afraid that dad will be killed in the war.” How to talk with a child about fears and help them perceive reality. Do not manipulate the child’s health. In no case do not scare the child with a disability if he fights when you are worried that he may be injured. This can not only frighten the child, but also form a negative attitude towards children/people with disabilities. Better explain that her behavior can lead to injury and then she will be hurt. “In no case should you scare her, using phrases like: ‘with such behavior you will become disabled and end up in a wheelchair’. This is the worst thing you can do,” the Ministry of Health emphasized. Get to know other people together with children Unlike adults, children are less inclined to think in stereotypes. So that nothing confuses or scares the child, help him learn more about people with disabilities. You can talk about things that make their lives easier: wheelchairs, braille, hearing aids, guide dogs, sign language, etc. “The main rule is to be as sincere as possible in the conversation. This will help you find the right words and understand each other,” the Ministry of Health concluded. Read also: How to talk to children about the war?
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