With the season of holidays approaching, I wanted to touch on something that I think is very pertinent during this time. In my interview with Amy Jandrisevits I mention how ignoring differences isn’t how parents want you to respond to their child who has a disability. I really admire how Amy is able to beautifully capture how unique each child is with her dolls. You can visibly see how much she truly cares about the work she is doing. In the interview she even states that, “We don’t come into this world ashamed…other people’s reaction…might determine some of that.” She highlights these children’s differences and changes the narrative from being ashamed about their disability to celebrating what makes them unique.
 
We also have the opportunity to explain differences to children who don’t have a disability. In our blog post, Talking to Your Kids About Differences, it is noted how simply explaining what is happening will help your child be able to understand that although people may have differences, it doesn’t mean they should be treated any differently than anyone else. Another way we can show inclusion is by helping our children understand the similarities between each other. At the end of the day, we are more similar than we are different. I’d like that to be at the forefront of our mind as we continue on through the end of this year. It’s been a hard year for everyone, and I think now it’s especially important to show kindness to those around us regardless of any differences.

Gerald Nebeker, Ph.D. Orange Socks President