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Question

Globster

Hello,
when I have children want to ask me about why I am in a wheelchair but there parent tell me not to ask.

I don’t feel children are being taught about disabilities in school. I would appreciate to hear what our people in the community think.

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Comments

wilko

Hello and welcome, why should the schools be responsible for explaining disability, race, and sexuality issues. Where and when have parents neglected their responsibilities of rearing their children of basic growing up.

thespiceman

Hello @Globster Thank you for sharing.

Long time ago when I was young. Sometime in the last century. lol.

I was approached by a local school. To talk about disability. My day to day life and experiences.

I have genetic disorder and mental health issues.

The Headmistress in her wisdom had a member of the community each month. From all types of diversity and back grounds.

Unfortunately even then there were problems with certain parents. Who perceived that it is wrong for there children to be exposed to members of our diverse community.

There is in my opinion is not enough education surrounding the diversity of our community.

I also wish for and do think there needs to be. Also about mental health. Addiction certain health topics.

Youngest alcoholic I met ten years old.

Talking about drugs as well.

Pleasure to talk to you.

@thespiceman

Roddy

Hi @Globster

This is a fairly difficult question as there are many answers to it. Firstly the child's parents are perhaps trying to teach that it isn't considered polite to ask personal questions about anything, which let's face it is correct in most situations.

Children are also more observational and can react differently than adults when confronted with something 'new' or 'uncommon' to them, and so they're first reaction is to ask... Parents, should also educate/explain to their children (following such events that you raised) in a way that they know their own child will understand. The answers are complex, as not all people are the same whether or not they are in or confined to wheelchair.

Richard_Scope

Hi @Globster
Schools do teach about disabilities. As you say though more can be done.
When my daughter started school I got elected to the PTA (Parent/Teacher Association) and I used that platform to help the school talk about disabilities to the pupils. I discovered that many of the parents know even less than the children! So it's not always a good idea to leave the parents to do the educating at home.
Scope also runs Role Models sessions in schools to help dispel myths and change perceptions.