One of the greatest gifts a teacher can bestow upon students in their Sunday School class is the gift of empathy, being able to understand and see the world from another’s perspective. Children with disabilities not only face the possibility of additional physical, intellectual, emotional, and social challenges more than most but also a host of other challenges that can make functioning in children’s ministry a bit more difficult than their peers. If we as teachers understand those challenges, we are able to better support and assist those different learners in our midst. Through empathy, we are better equipped to embrace and welcome all children in our classrooms and programs. 

 

                The Many Challenges Facing the Child with Disabilities

 

§         Can be more easily frustrated (due to the inability to communicate basic needs, such as sensory overload, pain, boredom, and hunger)

§         Insecurity and the struggle with a poor self image (what an opportunity for us to encourage and build up students)

§         Short attention span or great difficulty staying on task

§         Restlessness; inability to sit still

§         Poor organizational skills; often misplaces or loses things (needs a very organized and well-labeled environment and consistency in schedule)

§         High degree of impulsivity; often reacts without thinking through consequences

§         May have area(s) of academic weaknesses, such as language, reading, and math

§         Socially awkward; inability to understand or know how to play and interact with others

§         A sense of isolation and loneliness

 

All children have the basic need to be loved and accepted for who they are in spite of their limitations, to know they are valued and connected to a caring community. After all, is that not the way God loves us? He accepts us for who we are and loves us right where we are. 

 

 

 

CONTRIBUTOR:            Jackie Mills-Fernald. 

Jackie will be leading a breakout session on how to better reach out to your disabled community. 

 Connect with Jackie right here.