Summer Time Thoughts for Those With Physical Disabilities and Differences!

Summer Time Thoughts for Those With Physical Disabilities and Differences!

By:

Wendy L. Moss, Ph.D.

Susan A. Taddonio, D.P.T.

Many kids think that summer time is about relaxing and forgetting about school.  Sure, it’s okay to relax.  It’s even okay to take a break from focusing on school.  But, summer time is also an important time to focus on being creative about how you might present yourself to others when you return to school.  In other words, summer is a great time to make sure that you like your reputation and are ready to let the world know who you really are when you go back to class.

Did you feel like other kids knew the real you last year?  Sometimes kids with physical challenges report that other students see their physical issues and don’t know who they are as people.  In other words, they see the outside you (your body, how it works, and your physical difficulties) but they may not get to know the inside you (your personality, interests, hobbies, sense of humor).  If this is true for you, try teaching others that you are more than your physical disability!  Teach them about your abilities and interests.  Also, remind yourself that you are more than your physical difficulties.  That’s only one part of who you are.

Tips for connecting with other kids:

(1)  Smile at them to show that you want to have friendships!

(2)  Show an interest in them – maybe ask about their weekend plans, compliment them about a project they did, or ask them about their hobbies.  Most children and teens

like talking about their interests and activities!

(3)  Wear a shirt that reveals an interest of yours or a place where you recently visited.

(4)  Ask your teacher for help starting conversations with others.

(5)  Remind yourself that you like you – if you like you, then others may be more interested in getting to know you!

(6)  Casually talk about your challenges so others don’t wonder.  It’s okay to casually talk about what you can and can’t do.  Check with your parents, first, to make sure that you are sharing this information in a way other kids will understand.

Tips for connecting with your teachers:

(1)  Before school starts, maybe you can email your teacher and describe yourself.

(2)  If you need help doing an assignment, let your teacher know.  If you just sit quietly in class, your teacher may think that you don’t want to do the work.

(3)  Be an advocate for yourself!  Respectfully speak up when you need help and let the teacher know what you need.

If you have questions about how to feel good about yourself, fit in with your siblings, other family members, classmates, make friends, and deal with having a physical disability, you may want to read our book.  It’s called The Survival Guide for Kid’s with Physical Disabilities and Challenges (published by Free Spirit Publishing, 2015).  Check it out!

Good luck in school this year!  Hopefully, you will have many fun experiences and create great memories!