Parents: Don't Let the Word "Disability" Limit Your Child's Future! by Pepi Silverman

A disability does not mean incapable. Understanding the terms and their impact on a child’s learning will help parents to support their children and guide their future educational planning. “Disability” is a term that defines types of impairments. An impairment is a “problem” in function or structure; resulting in a "difficulty" encountered by an individual when executing a task or action. Parents benefit from learning how to manage the challenges that may impact their children by considering the following:

• Keep perspective, a disability is not insurmountable.
• Become an expert on the impact of the disability on your child.
• Advocacy is a critical action in support of your child’s learning.
• Be empowered by your parental role.

Celebrate strength and remediate weaknesses!