Undivided: Teaching Our Families About Disability Advocacy
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Disability Culture and Advocacy

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Overview

Language and culture around disability is constantly evolving. As parents, we're often unsure of how to talk about our children’s disabilities with our children, their siblings, and others. Check out these resources to learn more about advocacy and how to help our kids learn to advocate for themselves.

How can I help my child learn self-advocacy skills?

One of the most important things our kids should know is that it’s appropriate (and encouraged) for them to participate in discussions about their health and education with their doctors and teachers, and to ask their own questions. We can also teach them about their disability and personal history, encourage them to express their needs, and empower them to make their own choices. Learn more in our article Teaching Functional Life Skills: Disability & Medical Advocacy. You can also check out these resources for kids to help them learn about self-empowerment, self-advocacy, activism, and pride.

Contents


Overview

How can I help my child learn self-advocacy skills?

What resources are out there for siblings of kids with disabilities?

Why is the language we use around disability important?

Related Parent Questions

How should I talk to my child about their disability?
There are books that can help with conversations about a child's disability and there are plenty of stories about other people with disabilities that our kids can learn from. But it turns out that the person they may need to learn the most about is themselves.
How do I teach my child medical self-advocacy?
Our kids need to understand that it’s appropriate and acceptable for them to participate in discussions with their doctors, and it’s encouraged for them to ask their own questions. It’s important from a very early age to create the expectation that they will be talked with instead of about.
What terms should I use to describe disabilities?
Language and terminology around disability is constantly evolving — and as parents, we're often unsure of what words to use when talking about our children’s disabilities. This becomes particularly important when we sit down to talk to our children about advocating for themselves.
How can we better support our kids and adults with autism?
We’ve listed a few areas in which we can work to better support both our neurodiverse and neurotypical communities.
What’s the best way to support siblings of kids with disabilities?
Siblings of children with disabilities can feel overlooked or left out. Here are some ways to make sure everyone in the family feels supported.
How do I visualize my child’s future with a disability?
Try this visualization exercise: think of one word that describes how you want others to view your child. Many parents say they want their child to be seen as capable, independent, and happy, as well as creative, artistic, imaginative, and kind.

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