How To Interact With Children With Disabilities (cont.)
3. Always assume competence.
This is so important! Even parents and professionals sometimes lack an accurate idea of the child’s capabilities. Countless stories exist of children who were presumed to have intellectual disabilities, and at some point (upper elementary, teen years, even adulthood) they discovered a communication system that works.
And what these kids are saying is mind-blowing. We assume so much, and these kids take it all in. They absorb all the messages about them, their disability, life, the good, the bad. They’re listening. They are competent.
Many children with disabilities are talking about what they’re learning during Sunday school and during the sermon. They’re talking about having a personal relationship with Christ. The reality is, our soul connection to God is the same.
You might think some kids in your ministry don’t understand. But they do!
4. Treat children with special needs with dignity and respect.
Uncertainty is common, when it comes to how to interact with children with disabilities. We often feel unsure about approaching someone who is different, who might not be able to have a conversation with you, or who shows no interest in what you’re saying. Yes, it can be challenging!
But practice makes perfect, right? Sometimes it takes a few tries. But the more you talk to children who have disabilities, the more comfortable you’ll feel.
Again, think about age-appropriate interactions. It’s possible you’ll have no idea how old the child is. So ask them! Your first interaction can involve asking their name and age. Even if a child is nonverbal, make eye contact and ask them.
The parent might respond for them, but make it an interaction between you and the child. Treating someone with dignity and respect can be as simple as acknowledging their presence. It recognizes their full humanity. Many conversations occur about and around them, so interact with them.
Friends, we have a great privilege to invest in these children and teach them about Jesus. All children, all people, are capable of having a thriving relationship with Christ, even if it looks different to each of us. Everyone can be discipled. Everyone can know Jesus.
This article originally appeared here. For more information about special needs ministry, click here.
