Disabilities cover a wide range.  Some are obvious -- such as a child with a physical disability who uses a wheelchair or a child with a visual impairment who uses a cane when walking. Other disabilities may be more "hidden" -- for example, children who have learning disabilities or autism spectrum disorder.

Chances are that at some point your child will have a classmate with a disability. Just as you guided your very young child when he or she began to befriend others, you can encourage your child to learn about and be a friend to children who have disabilities.

Here are some basic ideas to share with your child:

• No two people are the same -- some differences are just more noticeable.
• A disability is only one characteristic of a person. People have many facets: likes and dislikes, strengths and challenges.
• Children with disabilities are like all children in that they want friends, respect and to be included.
• Children can be born disabled or become disabled from an accident or illness. You can't "catch" a disability from someone else.
• Just because someone has a physical disability (when a part or parts of the body do not work well) does not mean they necessarily have a cognitive (or thinking) disability.
• Children with disabilities can do many of the things your child does, but it might take them longer. They may need assistance or adaptive equipment to help them.
• Try to use clear, respectful language when talking about someone with disabilities. For a younger child, keep explanations simple, such as, "She uses a wheelchair because a part of her body does not work as well as it could."   
• Reinforce with your child that name calling -- even if meant as a joke -- is always unacceptable as it hurts people's feelings.
• Kids with disabilities can, should, and want to be included in parties, play dates, and other activities whenever possible.