Join Erin and me as we talk about what to do when people say rude comments about our kids with disabilities.
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Notes form the show:
Erin and I share examples of the types of comments people say that can be rude.
It is important to approach all situation with grace, and when appropriate, provide education.
When hearing a comment, focus on intent. What is the person’s intent? If we lash out to people and they had good intent, it might push them away and we don’t want people to be sacred to ask questions or to interact with people with disabilities.
If we can, it is best to respond in a way that educates.
Erin and I discuss there are different ways we respond to 1) kids, 2) adults, 3) as a parent when your kid is the one who says the rude comments.
Sometimes it is helpful to have scripts for certain comments that we encouragement often. Ellen shares about people asking “What is wrong with her?” when asking the question about her daughter with cerebral palsy and this is asked in her daughter’s presence. Sometimes a little comedy and acting are appropriate responses.
Erin shares three responses when you don’t want to engage in a conversation about rude comments and you are ready to move on:
- Thank you for your concern
- Silence (silence is a response)
- I respectfully disagree
Our FREEBIE is a swipe copy of what Ellen and Erin do when they engage in education with kids. Both Ellen and Erin do presentations at each of their kids’ schools. The swipe copy includes a presentation on Down syndrome, the letter sent home with the kids, and the facts included in the back of the letter. These presentations and letters can be easily tweaked for different disabilities. The letter can also be used without a presentation as a way to “introduce” your child to his/her classmates and in turn educate the parents.
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