Your specific job position requiring sensitivity towards additional requirements... display empathy
In the world of additional needs, negativity often stems from several interconnected reasons. Children and individuals with disabilities frequently face stigma, discrimination, bullying, and exclusion, which can harm their educational opportunities and social inclusion [1]. This stigma can extend to psychosocial and intellectual disabilities, where individuals may be less visible and thus overlooked or mistreated, including being restrained or institutionalized [1].
Adolescents and youth with disabilities are often excluded from peer groups and social networks, which can exacerbate feelings of negativity [1]. Economic and caregiving pressures, such as the costs of transport, medical bills, adaptive equipment, and home modifications, can cause financial strains for families, leading to stress and strain on relationships [2][4].
Many programs and infrastructures fail to fully consider the needs of persons with disabilities, leading to inadequate support or accessibility, which perpetuates challenges [1]. However, there are several approaches that can be taken to promote kindness and positivity in the additional needs community.
Inclusive community engagement, where persons with disabilities are actively included in planning and decision-making about services and environments, ensures their needs are met and fosters respect [1]. Education and awareness about disabilities can reduce stigma and bullying, promoting empathy and inclusion [1].
Support for families and carers, through financial support options and fostering communication within families, can strengthen relationships and reduce stress [2]. Establishing supportive routines and communication, such as using social stories, can help children with disabilities feel safe and develop skills [3].
Community kindness initiatives, like encouraging inclusive activities, celebrating diversity, and promoting kindness campaigns within schools and neighborhoods, can build more cohesive, supportive communities [1]. By addressing these causes of negativity through inclusion, support, education, and community kindness, a more positive environment for persons with additional needs and their families can be fostered.
In a recent article, the author, who is the Director of Additional Needs Ministry at Urban Saints and blogs at The Additional Needs Blogfather, encourages readers to consider others and show kindness to each other. The author suggests that despite disagreements with the system and a need to push back, showing kindness to those making tough choices could help soften hard hearts and make a difference [5].
In situations where conflict, harshness, unkindness, or lack of understanding is observed, choosing kindness as a response could help build compassion instead of criticism. The author quotes Romans 12:10, urging readers to "Love one another deeply. Honour others more than yourselves." [5]
The article is addressing individuals with connections to the additional needs world, including parents, caregivers, health and social care professionals, educators, and individuals with additional needs themselves. It's possible that those who are negative towards a child with additional needs lack knowledge and understanding about the child's needs. Local authorities often face severe funding limitations, which necessitate difficult decisions and almost impossible choices about where to allocate limited funds [6].
Some parents of children with additional needs may have had to take their local authority to court for necessary funding, facing numerous obstacles [6]. The author encourages readers to consider the possible causes of negativity before reacting and to discuss affirming things about a child, rather than just challenging issues, to build bridges [5]. Some parents may be exhausted and unable to handle perceived additional difficult conversations with educators due to mental or emotional capacity limitations [5].
This article was re-published with permission. Offering to meet on 'neutral ground' could help alleviate this avoidance [5]. It's important to remember that everyone involved in the additional needs world is working towards the best outcomes for the children and individuals they support. By choosing kindness, we can create a more positive and inclusive environment for all.
References: [1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7153392/ [2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6326591/ [3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4202099/ [4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4182925/ [5] https://www.urbansaints.org/ministries/additional-needs/blog/kindness-is-the-best-medicine-for-additional-needs-families/ [6] https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/special-educational-needs-and-disability-statistics/special-educational-needs-in-england-january-2019/chapter-5--legal-action-and-appeals
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