Helping your child with disabilities thrive

Jun 20, 2023

As a parent or a caregiver, we are always ready to move mountains to give our child the best care, education and opportunities to succeed.

For those raising a child with any form of disability, parenthood can seem much more challenging and demanding. You often fear for your child's future – how will they thrive in a world where they may face barriers and stigma?

As a parent or a caregiver, there may be moments when you feel helpless. We understand.

Children with disabilities are capable of amazing things – and there are many things you can do to support your child to learn, develop and thrive to their fullest potential. Early childhood (the first 6 years) is a critical window to shape your child's growth and development. During this time, your child develops cognitively, socially, emotionally and physically and begins learning the foundations to build an independent and self-reliant life.

We developed this article in conversation with our UNICEF experts to support you in meeting your child's unique needs during these years and help them learn and thrive.

Play is how children learn in their early years. Through play, children can learn to solve problems and try new things they may have never thought of doing.

Young children learn better when you incorporate singing, reading, dancing and playing games.

You can adapt play-based learning activities to your child's specific needs. For example, if you have a child with visual impairment, you can help them learn about objects and shapes using different textures of objects. Or if for a child with visual and hearing impairment, you can introduce playtime activities that involve smelling and tasting wherein they can classify items based on them being salty, sweet or sour.

Here are some examples of play activities you can try:

Feely bag: For a child with visual impairment, take a bag and fill it with different objects. Then support your child to match similar objects together based on texture, weight, or smell.

Glue yarn, thread or string onto cards or paper to form different shapes. You can then encourage your child to feel the shapes to match cards with the same shapes.

Simple daily activities such as brushing your teeth, getting dressed and eating may feel challenging for your child. Helping to boost your child's confidence to carry out these routine activities and chores can help them become more self-reliant.

Let your child know that it is okay to make mistakes and to never be afraid to ask questions or ask for help, however frustrated they may feel.

Take things slowly, one day at a time. Let your child try out different skills and activities. It is essential to focus first on completing a given activity, even if it is not done perfectly, as this will help build your child's confidence.

Here are some ways you can work learning into everyday activities.

Young children thrive when they are allowed opportunities to explore, play and develop in nurturing environments — and home is a crucial learning space!

There are different things you can do to provide an accessible, inclusive and supportive environment that helps your child learn and develop, and which responds to their learning needs.

For more fun playtime activities, parenting tips and more, download ‘Supporting learning and well-being of young children with disabilities at home.’

A positive and happy preschool experience will encourage your child to continue learning.

You know your child best. Sharing your insights about your child's interests, their strengths and the challenges they face can help the teachers better support your child's learning and development.

The insights about your child's needs and behaviours are equally critical in making sure your child doesn't feel overwhelmed in their new environment, surrounded by a sea of unknown faces.

Every day after school, sit down with your child and talk about their day. Ask them what they liked, what they didn't, what they learned and what fun activities they did. Express your excitement and see if they want to replicate any of these activities with you.

You can continually work with your child's teacher to provide a supportive learning environment at home, while also reinforcing what they are learning at school, and making sure they develop a range of key foundational skills – social, emotional, physical, cognitive, and language skills.

Focusing on your child's abilities and what they can do best, will help your child to feel supported and encouraged to reach their full potential.