Teaching Children About Disabilities and Inclusion

A photo of a woman holding a picture book with the title, “no such thing as NORMAL”. The cover of the book shows an illustration of six children, one in a wheelchair, one with a service dog, two sitting on the ground and two standing. 

Insightful conversations on the topics of disability and inclusion are not a reality for all kids. In some families and schools these conversations are neglected and people move on with their lives as if disabilities don’t exist. The lack of knowledge and exposure can leave young children with ideas that are simply not the truth. The idea that disabilities are a bad or scary thing, that we shouldn’t say the word “disabled”, and that people with disabilities are too different to be included. Neglecting to educate children about disabilities is a missed opportunity to raise a generation where inclusion could be an automatic.

Learning to understand and support people who see the world differently from you is a life skill that every child should learn. If children were taught to see the value in everyone no matter their ability, our world would be more accepting. If every child was given the opportunity to ask questions and to learn about disabilities, they wouldn’t make assumptions. If everyone grew to understand that disabilities don’t define a person and that differences are never a reason to exclude someone, no one would be left out. If we provide children with more opportunities to learn about disabilities, our world could be accessible, understanding, and inclusive of everyone. 

As a society we must make strides to teach kids more about disabilities, to “normalize” differences and to make inclusion an automatic. We must equip children with the skills to understand, support, and to show compassion towards people who have different life experiences than them. Here are three steps that you can take to introduce children to disabilities and to teach them the importance of inclusion:

1. Introduce kids to diversity through books and toys. Read books to children that cover topics such as disabilities and neurodiversity. Books provide kids with information about disabilities in a way that provokes interest and ensures that the level of information is appropriate for their understanding. There are lots of inclusive picture books such as The ABC’s of Inclusion by Beth Leipholtz and No Such Thing As Normal by Megan DeJarnett. Many of the authors are people with disabilities and their books reflect their personal experiences. Purchasing toys that incorporate assistive technology such as hearing aids and mobility aids is another great way to expose children to disabilities through interactive play. 

2. Address the child's curiosity about disabilities in a way that showcases ability. We must show children that people with disabilities are capable of amazing things. This could look like doing some research about actors, public speakers or athletes with disabilities. The most important thing is helping children to accept that people are different while also helping them to understand that the differences do not define a person. Each and every person has unique talents and qualities that make them special. 

3. Create opportunities for children to talk to and meet people with disabilities. Encourage children to get involved with organizations such as Best Buddies and Special Olympics. If you are a parent, sibling, or a role model to a young child, get yourself involved in these organizations as well. When kids see that inclusion is important to us, it will also become important to them. 




If I could teach a child anything, I would teach them that people with disabilities are deserving of friendship. I would show them that their peers with disabilities are funny, loving, talented and capable. I would teach them that differences aren't scary and that disabilities aren't a bad thing. I would teach them that inclusion should be automatic, so that maybe one day it will. 







In friendship, 

Izabel Korbet 

YLC Member, New Hampshire