Illustration by Rose Lowry

Making each person feel important and valued is the best thing anyone can do. In our work with children, youth, and adults who have disabilities, we have learned that generalizations don’t work. That’s why we focus on understanding each individual’s unique needs.

It is also important to take the time to communicate and listen, even if you can’t understand what the other person is saying. Listening to a person’s ideas—whether they are said directly or through a sign language interpreter or a communication device—gives that person the power to change his or her world.

It can be tempting to take what you know and come up with a solution to a person’s problem. But taking the time to communicate directly, and listen to what the person believes in, shows that you care about his or her thoughts and wishes. This process goes a long way toward creating a culture of dialogue and respect.

Read the essay ‘Quit it!’ Promotes Civility and Respect in the Early Grades.