Disability Awareness month

Three years ago our lives changed for the better but it forced us into a world of different. Some times I don't know how different we are till we get into a room full of other 3 year olds but when that happens I know we are different.

The slogan " different is good" isn't always how you really feel. Maybe for your choice of fast food but when you want to be like everyone else different is kinda ...different. The hard part. I want to be included in the same things but know how hard it is for others to include us knowing we are different.

In church we had a hard time sending Tyler to nursery because he couldn't take his walker because of all the other little kids he would potentially be knocking over but consideration wasn't take that that was his only way to move like the other kids

When we would go to the store people would notice stare and yet never EVER catch my gaze. They would avoid holding a gaze. I KNOW it was on purpose because I would stare right at their face.

Now that we are older and I still carry my preschooler we get comments. An example: We went to the gas station and we were getting sodas for 3. I had Tyler with me so I was also carrying a preschooler. A guy came in and said well maybe he should carry his own and walk. I smiled and said thanks but he can't.

A year ago that would have left me in tears. Now, I recognize it as an opportunity.

This is what I have learned:

People are curious. They don't mean it rude but people want to know why your kid is the way that he is.

People never know how to approach and ask. Who knows if the person even wants to be approached? What if it was me a year ago. I would not have been the wiser and known it was a chance to teach and educate.

People don't know what it feels like so they say things that may be offensive. Again an education thing.

So my plan of action of how I plan to teach my child and others around him:

1. For my child. He can do what ever any one else can do. I may have to find alternative ways to help him but he can do it. We may be slower at doing them but with a little help and patience on my part he will show me he can do it. I expect that of him. If we expect them to be different they will be.
2. Take the time to educate when someone asks questions. If a comment is made explain WHY they can't walk. If a comment is made as to why something is offensive try to explain why a comment like that would hurt someone else. And let others ask questions. Sometimes they just want to know and have no way to ask.
   
3. Teach other smaller children at the playground or other places that all though they can't physically do something they can DO something. We just might have to find something that they can all DO together.
   

So after 3 years I have learned a few small things.
I have also learned that love heals a lot of things.
I have learned that ignorance happens even with the best of intentions.
I have learned that life is a matter of moments that take our breathe away. Cherish each one regardless of how "able" we are. We are all "able" to love.



For more ideas on how to talk to your kids about disabilities go here.