My children are almost 2 and 4 & 1/2. Even at their young, tender age they are aware that some people have disabilities. As a parent I don’t point out the differences to them but if they take note of a difference I am quick to point out how that person is similar to them. We have friend who have a child with downs syndrome and when the 4 year old plays with her she treats her just like her other friends. A few times she has asked me why the little girl’s eyes are shaped differently than hers. I explained that this is the way God made her. Then I pointed out how the little girl was nice enough to share her toys with her with out being asked. (Unlike my 4 year old who has to be ASKED to share)
As my girls grow I am sure their awareness of disabilities and differences will grow as well. I am hoping to have conversations with them letting them know that yes, these people have disabilities and yes, they might be different than you but you should still treat them as you would want to be treated.
All Kids Can, a program of the CVS Caremark Charitable Trust and CVS Caremark, is a five-year, $25 million commitment to support children with disabilities. The goals of All Kids Can are to support children with disabilities by raising awareness in schools and in local communities about the importance of inclusion, creating greater opportunities for physical activity and play, and providing access to medical rehabilitation and related services. CVS Caremark and its more than 210,000 employees help children with disabilities learn, play and succeed through partnerships with leading local and national nonprofit organizations such as Easter Seals and many others across the country. For more information, visit http://www.cvscaremarkallkidscan.com/
One Response to “March is Disability Awareness Month.”
April 9th, 2009 at 6:46 pm
After reading the article, I feel that I really need more information on the topic. Could you suggest some resources ?