In our last post (http://www.disabilityliving.ca/disability-canada-should-you-tell-your-child-he-she-has-learning/) we discussed the benefits of telling your child about his or her learning disability. This post highlights how to tell your child’s teacher about the disability.
It’s important that your child’s teacher know that your son or daughter has a disability. Having this vital knowledge will help the teacher assist your child in learning and succeeding in school. But what is the appropriate way to communicate that your child has a disability? Consider the tips below.
Quick tips for telling a teacher that your child has a disability
1. Know Your Motive – Telling your child’s teacher about his/her disability might feel difficult or uncomfortable for you. But knowing your motive–to help your child succeed in school and life–will give you the courage you need to initiate the conversation. Keep that motive at the forefront of your mind as you go into the situation.
2. Initiate the Conversation – Take the initiative to set up a private meeting with your child’s teacher. During that meeting, let the teacher know about the child’s disability. You may also want to bring up any medications your child takes. It is absolutely appropriate to tell the teacher that the information is confidential.
3. Be Honest About Your Concerns – A teacher will probably appreciate your being honest with him or her about your feelings concerning the meeting. For example, were you hesitant about disclosing your child’s disability because you were afraid he or she would be treated differently? If so, share that with the teacher. Exposing some of your anxieties can open doors to positive communication and rapport.
4. Take Further Action – More than likely, your child’s teacher will be supportive and helpful about the information you disclose. However, if he or she is not, definitely approach the school guidance counselor and/or principal to discuss the situation.
How did you tell your child’s teacher about his or her disability?
Have you experienced telling a teacher about your son or daughter’s disability? If yes, how did you approach the conversation, and what was the teacher’s reaction? Let us know — leave a comment on this post today.
Sources:
Image made available by Twix on Flickr through Creative Commons License.
*Please note: All research for this article is compiled from direct and third party sources. Mention of programs, organizations and companies does not imply support of The National Benefit Authority. Pictures are for creative purposes only; they are not intended to sell or promote products for the NBA and belong to the accredited individual, organization or company.
Let’s Talk About It
Do you feel like a teacher always needs to know about a child’s disability? Why or why not?
Have your experiences with your child’s teacher (concerning his/her disability) been mostly positive or negative?
