Tips for Working With Handicapped Children

With thought many handicapped children can be included in many activities

Dealing with children with handicaps or limitations takes more than passing thought. Handicaps vary widely and working with children with limitations requires a willingness to learn about the particular reasons for the limitations and ways you can assist, without being overly obtrusive or demeaning. Working with handicapped children takes caring and sensitivity.

Don't Talk Down

Children with handicaps and disabilities already deal with a world in which they struggle. These children may use crutches or wheelchairs and may need braces and other appliances just to get around. Children with handicaps struggle to be seen as "normal" as possible within their limitations. As adults it is important to facilitate a child's need to be treated, not as a person with a handicap, but as a person. Talk to children with handicaps as you would any other human being. Don't talk to them as though they are toddlers with little understanding or comprehension.

Treat the Body with Dignity and Modesty

Handicapped children often need help with moving from one place to another. They may need assistance with braces and fasteners on appliances that enable them to work, move or type. Children with disabilities may need assistance with getting on shoes or a coat. Some may require assistance with more personal needs. A tip for working with handicapped children is to always keep in mind that needing help may be a necessity for the children, and they accept that, but such help highlights their differences from other children. The need for assistance can be embarrassing and elicit comments from other children. As much as possible, treat each child with dignity and use sensitivity as you assist. Don't assist just because it makes things go more quickly. Respect handicapped children enough to allow them to do whatever they can do on their own. Do not treat them like babies.

Take Time to Listen

Some handicapped children may find it difficult to speak or to enunciate clearly. There is a tendency to want to help out those with speech problems by trying to guess what the children are trying to say. This can leave them frustrated when you assume they are trying to convey one thing, when, in fact, if you waited, you would realize the children have something else in mind altogether. Another tendency of adults is to talk down to those with disabilities or talk over their heads at any other "normal" person accompanying them. Take time to make eye contact and focus on the what the handicapped children are saying. Listen closely and do not be quick to jump in to finish a thought. Patience is an important quality for working with handicapped children.

Be Inclusive

Handicapped children are often left out of activities and sports because they are unable to do what is required physically. Some of that is understandable. Not everything can accommodate handicapped children. But, when an activity can be accommodated with a little thought, do so. Include the children with disabilities in the circle. Assign another student to work as a unit with a wheelchair-bound child to allow him the flexibility to join more active play. The main key in working with handicapped children is to never assume they can't do something. Often you, the student or the classmates can find ways to be inclusive instead of exclusive of handicapped children.

References

• Oregon State University: The Disabled Child
• American Camp Association: Working with Children with Special Needs
• Kids.org: Bridges to Including Disabled Children in Play and Childcare provision