by Tania Mcloughlin

Created on: January 10, 2010

"Should children be exposed to people with brown hair?"

If you had brown hair and the title question was that, would you already feel discriminated against?

Simply because a question was asked which could relate to you and your suitability to be associated with children you have been put into a category, a 'box' and a stereotype.

Perhaps more suitably the questions within your family and friends could be asked;

 - is my child associating with others from all walks of life? Not only those who are clean, well spoken, have a home, eat similarly, or don't need to use mobility aids. 

 - when we see people differently to ourselves, how do I react? Keeping in mind you are always modeling and your children learn from you.

 - Why are some types of people missing from some areas of our life? i.e. has our local school special needs facilities, or is our local mall suitable for wheelchairs. With these answers you could write a letter to the council, or raise awareness on the topic in your community.  

 - How can our family help all others be accepted more? Perhaps by making sure we introduce ourselves and genuinely interact with all others, setting an example.

There are many levels of special needs, and therefore one cannot discriminate on that stance alone. A special need may be one only of needing assistance hearing, seeing, or even some comprehension and learning right up to the other end of the scale where a special needs person requires full time nursing support or supervision because of either or both severe physical or mental disabilities.

Many people with what appear to be severe physical disability and even learning inability can often still have complete mental awareness (though sometimes a long way behind in grown years) with understanding of being left out (or included) and the feelings associated with that. With or without the ability to participate in the way you do, most people appreciate being given the chance to be involved and share the smiles, laughs and friends. 

When considering exposing your child to any aspect or area of life try to consider the statement to yourself or your peers. Obviously with age appropriate considerations as to violence, sex and intimacy, and all ages considerations toward people or behaviours which may contradict common laws, you'll find there are more pros than cons to most questionable circumstances.

The pros and cons you and your family come up with may be different from others, but having gone through the thought process and made a consideration toward not only people with special needs, but special circumstances, you have given them a chance. And given yourselves a chance for a wider network of friends, and often heightened sense of community, love and respect for others and life enhancing values - all attributes worth sharing with your children.        

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