Teaching Children About Disability Inclusion at a Young Age
As a parent of a child with special needs, you may find yourself overwhelmed with finding the best schools, therapies, programs, and counseling to help your child reach their highest potential. And while these are extremely important, you must not forget to enroll your child in activities with other children.
When children with disabilities are included in activities with other children, your child and their peers will promote, foster, and develop disability inclusion and, most importantly, build friendships!
What is Disability Inclusion?
Essentially, disability inclusion deals with promoting and educating people on disability issues. Disability inclusion initiatives can occur at any point in a person’s life, but childhood is one of the best times to begin.
Why is Disability Inclusion Education Important?
While inclusion is mandated by law, meaningful disability inclusion goes much further. By educating both special and non-special needs children about different developmental disabilities, they can feel supported, included, and safe in their after-school activities.
The Benefits of Disability Inclusion
In addition to creating a nurturing atmosphere for after-school activities, there are also many other benefits to disability inclusion.
- Fosters Empathy & Emotional Intelligence
- Protects Against Bullying
- Promotes Healthy Relationships
- Teaches Respect for Others
- Reduces Implicit Bias
Should I Send My Child with Special Needs to Inclusive After School Activities?
Yes! After-school programs build confidence for children with disabilities and their peers. By sending your child with disabilities to an after-school activity, they will develop higher self-esteem and gain a sense of pride in their abilities. Additionally, enrolling your special needs child in an after-school activity will provide them with another place to make friends, build social skills, and interact with children that have similar interests as them.
Here’s How The Deron School Can Help
Since 1967, The Deron School has offered a state-approved private school program and services tailored to your child’s needs. If you believe that your child would benefit from our wide array of resources and services, don’t hesitate to reach out to our leadership team with any admission inquiries.