Kids & Family
How to Support a Child with a Disability in School
It is imperative to consider methods to support your child with a disability in the context of the education system.
With September quickly approaching and school beginning it is imperative to consider methods to support your child with a disability in the context of the education system. Both the public school and homeschool experience are drastically different for a child with a disability. Here are some tips to help you be the number one educational advocate for your child and supporting them during their learning:
Make sure to put matters in perspective. It may be easy for your child to get overwhelmed or compare themselves to others or feel inadequate, but it is your job as a parent to see the big picture and surround them with love, support, and positive words. It is your job not just to maintain this perspective, but to be your child's biggest cheerleader and motivator. They should have no doubts that you are on their side and believe in them thoroughly. Highlight their strengths and make time and positive space for areas in which they excel.
Be in tune with your child's unique needs and concerns. Every child's needs will be different, and the best place to locate those needs is by paying attention and listening to your child. This can come in a variety of forms. For some, it may be vocalization. For other's, you may notice that they are behaving out of character, which is a clear indicator that something is off or they need something specific. However, your child's mode of communication manifests, make sure that you are ready to listen and take steps toward remedying what is going on.
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Brainstorm new solutions. Often, it is necessary for you, as a parent, to brainstorm new ideas for your child to get the most out of their education. This can come in many forms. It may be finding the most effective method for you child dot study and retain material, using a combination of apps, books, and personal practice. It may be tuning in to your child's strengths and using that to denote what their most productive learning method is.
At the end of the day, the most important thing you can do for your child is playing the role of their biggest supporter and motivator. They need to know that, even when their confidence in themselves falters, that yours never does.
