Handout 6: Responding to Questions
Answers that foster a sense of belonging to the group are:
- responsive
- nonjudgmental
- focus on the whole child and not the disability
I don't think you are stupid, Peter. The seat belt is just a bit tricky to buckle.
- sensitive
- honest
- appropriate to the developmental level of the person asking
Sophie can walk, Chrystal. She just needs a walker to help her.
- respectful
- genuine and caring, not just trying to use the "right" words
- given in a way that acknowledges and respects the family's values
- protective of a child's and family's rights to privacy
You know, I'm not allowed to discuss any of the children or their families with other people unless I have their written permission.
- geared to ensure that the rights of persons with disabilities are known and respected by others in the program and the community
- other:
Answers that hinder a sense of belonging to the group, even if well-intentioned:
- are overprotective
- avoid the question
There's nothing wrong with him. We're all the same.
- blame the person asking
Don't ask that, Chrystal. It's not nice.
- focus on the disability and not the person
Oh, yeah. He's an inclusion kid.
- focus on the law as the only reason to fully include persons with disabilities
We have to take kids like Adam. It's the law.
- make generalizations about persons with disabilities,
She's hitting because she has Down syndrome, Vuk.
- have the "right" words in them, but not the feelings and attitudes that convey respect and dignity
- other