We have a young lady in our church that is confined to a wheelchair. She has a five year old that rides on the back while she holds a baby. This scene is heartbreaking as she comes up the church sidewalk. It seems as though every Sunday some child will make a comment as to why this lady is in this condition. If you look at her feet and legs it is evident that she can not use them to walk. Children say things such as "What is wrong with her?", "Why does she look that way?" or "Why is Anna's mommy riding in that chair?" Most of the time parents will say "Shhhh, I will talk to you later about this" or "Be quiet they will hear you." I know these words are hurtful to this young mother. Children are very observant and have many questions. I think adults and educators should use children's literature that displays people's disabilities to communicate and help children understand that not all people are the same. Also, I think it is important to talk about how hurtful some of our words can be to others. People with disabilities live in a world designed primarily for the able-bodied. People with disabilities want to live life no differently than anyone else. They want to be able to go shopping, go to the movies, go out to eat, work, and enjoy life, fully realizing that must be done within the boundaries of their limitations (Eustice, n.d.).
References
Eustice, n.d. People with disabilities want to live life . Retrieved from http://dpobahamas.webs.com
Hi Amy,
ReplyDeleteI had a similar experience seeing a child being shushed by his mother for making comments about a person in a wheelchair. Children are naturally curiosity and if we help them to understand the world around them they will be more accepting of the differences they see instead of receiving the message that it is rude to make comments about them. Thank you for sharing.
Hi Amy,
ReplyDeleteI find this post very touching. It is hard enough being a mother with an able body, so I can only imagine how difficult it is for this mother to be a mother without the added criticism, pointing, whispering and probably questioning. As a parent and educator, I think we should work to make children who don't see the physical difference in others, bu the person heart and character. I know a lot of people who have disabilities, but are some of the most loving, caring and loyal people I know.
Hello Amy,
ReplyDeleteAs touching as the experience you mentioned in your post is, the fact is that it is a very common occurrence around us. Naturally, children will always react the way those little angels in your church have been reacting. Adults need to be prepared to answer them honestly and with respect as this will not only teach them to accept diversity but also that it is acceptable to notice and discuss differences as long as it is done with respect.
Dear Amy,
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing. Children asked such question because they do not see this kind person often. When they saw the different or abnormal thing, they would ask. Your post brings me thinking: should we change something in our classroom? I do not see any figure of people with disability displayed in our classroom. I do not see the pictures of the disability people neither. It might help children learn about disabled people if we display these people in our classroom.