Navigating Disability and Curiosity in Public Spaces
How should parents handle situations when their children ask teachers, cashiers and others with disabilities about their conditions in public spaces? This article explores real-life scenarios and valuable parenting examples to guide you on how to respond empathetically and encourage curiosity in a positive manner.
Addressing Child Curiosity in Public Encounters
In the hustle and bustle of daily life, parents often face unexpected and sometimes uncomfortable situations, particularly when their children encounter people with physical differences or disabilities. These interactions can provide valuable learning moments, provided we guide our children with the right words and attitudes.
A Model of Parenting: Support and Empathy
Take, for example, a scene at a supermarket where a mother is supporting a non-verbal autistic man who has just purchased some sweets and is squealing with joy. A little girl exclaims, "Mummy, look that man is squealing very loud!" The mother responds, "Yep, he is. Do you know why?" The little girl then observes, "He got his sweeties!" The mother affirms, "Yes, he did. Yes, he’s happy." She then asks, "How does that make you feel?" The little girl replies, "Happy!" The mother adds, "Isn’t it a good thing he was here then?" This interaction exemplifies parenting done right.
Embracing Diversity and Kindness
The next story occurred in a Target store, where the mother’s three-year-old loudly exclaims, "Mama! Target has a PIRATE!" The cashier, who is visibly disfigured with a mohawk, kindly explains to the child that he is not a pirate but a person who looks differently due to a sickness. He patiently answers any questions the child can think of, much to the mother’s embarrassment. However, the child’s joy at meeting "nice Mr Pirate Man" emphasizes the importance of kind curiosity over discomfort or fear.
The mother’s interaction with the cashier resulted in a request to speak to the manager, praising the employee’s kindness and genuine approach to educating children. This experience stands out as a positive example of community interaction, where even the most unexpected appearance is met with patience and understanding.
Engaging with Amputees in the Workplace
Communications professionals and amputees often encounter questions about their daily life from curious individuals. A personal experience within a school district technology department highlights how such interactions can be handled with grace and education. An amputee employed in the technology department was approached by a first-grade teacher whose students gasped and remarked, "He has no arm!" When the teacher quietly asked if it was okay to include the amputee in a lesson on manners, the amputee agreed. The teacher then introduced the class to the amputee as a technology person and shared the story of the accident. Students were then encouraged to ask questions, which ranged from basic curiosities to intricate inquiries about technology usage. The amputee demonstrated practical skills such as tying shoes and typing with a single hand, greatly impressing the students.
Encouraging Storytelling and Empathy
Amputees, like everyone else, should be treated with the same respect and dignity. Embracing the opportunity to share one's experiences can educate and inspire others. Whether participating in a class lesson or dressing up as a zombie at a Halloween costume contest, storytelling helps dispel misconceptions and fosters a sense of community. Laughter and storytelling can provide a platform for those who may feel left out or misunderstood due to their physical differences, turning curiosity into a tool for education and understanding.
Conclusion
Handling questions and curiosities arising from interactions with people who have disabilities is an opportunity to foster empathy, kindness, and understanding. By guiding children and adults alike with supportive and informative responses, we can create a more inclusive and accepting community. Ultimately, these interactions can serve as valuable learning experiences, teaching both the askers and those asked to embrace diversity and curiosity in a positive and nurturing manner.