Guide for Preschoolers: Empathy & Respect on International Day of People with Disabilities

Do you know the report of the World Health Organization (WHO) shows that people with disabilities are prone to physical and psychological diseases? Moreover, their life expectancy is lower than that of other individuals. However, we can prevent it by taking some minor measures, such as creating a positive and inclusive environment for them. It is important to spread equality to make this world a better place.

For this purpose, the International Day of People with Disabilities is celebrated on December 3rd each year as a reminder to create an inclusive environment for special needs people. Moreover, it is important to spread awareness among young children to be empathetic and respectful, especially during the International Day of People with Disabilities.

On this special occasion, parents and guardians must educate their preschoolers about creating an inclusive and understanding environment by teaching kids about social and emotional behavior and attitudes to carry around disabled people. At Ideazsuper, we believe in fostering an environment where all children learn to appreciate diversity and show kindness to everyone, regardless of their abilities.

History of the International Day of People with Disabilities:

In 1992, the International Day of People with Disabilities was initiated by the United Nations to spread awareness regarding understanding disability issues. The basic aim of this day is to give equal rights to people with disabilities and to integrate them into our political, social, economic, and cultural life. Over the course of time, inclusivity has become a pivotal part of disability awareness days, in which communities are encouraged to work on inclusivity.

Social and Emotional Behavior: Teaching Kids Empathy

Parents are children’s first source of knowledge and play a crucial role in shaping their character and attitude towards people with special needs and disabilities. Below are some key behavioral ideas by Ideazsuper that you can nurture in your kids:

• Empathy:

Teach your kids about the virtue and value of empathy. Always encourage them and tell them to feel and imagine “how someone else might feel” in any situation.

• Respect:

Kids are never serious. That is why teaching them kindness and respect for everyone, regardless of their abilities, is important.

• Inclusivity:

Encourage children to include peers with special needs in their activities and projects; it promotes a sense of belonging.

• Patience:

Teach your kids to tolerate others needing more time or assistance to understand or perform tasks.

• Open-mindedness:

Foster an environment where children feel comfortable asking questions and learning about differences.

How Parents Can Model Positive Behavior

Parents are the first role models to whom kids look up. Therefore, Ideazsuper came up with some ways you can demonstrate to instill positive behavior in your child:

1. Lead by Example: Show empathy and respect when interacting with people with disabilities.

2. Discuss Differences Positively: Discuss disabilities openly and positively, emphasizing that everyone has unique strengths.

3. Participate in Events: Engage in community events like those during December Disability Awareness Month to show support.

4. Encourage Questions: Allow your child to ask questions about disabilities and provide thoughtful answers.

5. Books and Media: Introduce and encourage them to read books and media that feature characters with disabilities positively.

Activities for Kids on International Day of People with Disabilities

Ideazsuper is a platform that provides you with activities and worksheets on International Day of People with Disabilities. This day is a great opportunity to engage your children in activities that promote understanding and empathy towards people with disabilities. Here are some activities  that kids can participate in to celebrate this important day:

Incorporating Disability Awareness into Daily Life

Integrating disability awareness into everyday activities can help reinforce these lessons:

• Use story time as an opportunity to read books featuring characters with disabilities.
• Often organize playdates or group activities for your little ones, it must be inclusive playdate that serves all abilities.
• Participate in local events and programs related to disability awareness, such as Disability Day Program.

In these challenging times, teaching values and virtues to preschoolers is not easy. By teaching preschoolers the art of empathy and respect, we can foster a generation that values inclusivity and kindness. At Ideazsuper, we are committed to supporting families on this journey toward greater understanding and acceptance.

Checklist for international day of disabled people:

Here is a checklist table based on the activities mentioned in the article for the International Day of People with Disabilities:

This checklist allows you to track participation in various activities designed to promote understanding and empathy among children on this important day.