As parents, we always hope that our children are given equal opportunities and perks in education, workspace and in the society as a whole. However, we need to put in more effort in creating a more inclusive environment for special needs children, including the children with Down syndrome.
So, how should an inclusive environment look like? It is where every child, no matter what their individual needs or barriers may be, has equal access to learning and achievement. It is about creating an environment that seeks to reduce inequality and create a flexible and respectful society which embraces every child.
In an inclusive environment, every child with Down syndrome has the right to be accepted and included as valued members of the society. Whether you are a parent of children with or without Down syndrome, let’s look into how you can play an important role in creating an inclusive environment for these special children, shall we?
4 Simple Ways To Create an Inclusive Environment for Children With Down Syndrome
#1: Get Children With Down Syndrome To Feel Comfortable in Mainstream Classrooms
Though children with Down syndrome develop slower than their peers, they certainly have their strengths in learning. Both parents and teachers need to acknowledge that every child, even children with Down syndrome, can learn new knowledge and skills at school. Not only in special needs school, but it also applies to placing children with Down syndrome in mainstream classrooms.
So, here’s a list of strengths and weakness of a child with Down syndrome when it comes to learning:
Strengths
- has strong visual awareness and visual learning skills
- can learn and use signs, gestures and visual support
- can learn and use written words
- can benefit from pictorial, concrete and practical materials
- is interested to communicate and socialise with others
- prefers learning with structures and routines
Factors that hinder learning:
- delayed fine and gross motor skills (face difficulties in handwriting)
- auditory and visual impairment
- speech and language impairment
- shorter attention span
- faces difficulties with retention, thinking and reasoning
- faces difficulties in sequencing
Parents can visit the teachers and administrators before starting school to discuss on how their children with Down syndrome can learn the best. At the same time, parents can get more information on their timetable and classroom routines. This can help the children be more familiar with how the day would go if they learn in a mainstream classroom.
After knowing about their learning styles, these are what teachers in mainstream classrooms can do to help:
- place the child near the front of the classroom
- speak directly and clearly to the pupils with simplified language and visual support
- assign tasks that are appropriate to the child’s level
- provide opportunities to mingle with other children to learn about sharing and taking turns
#2: Encourage Inclusive Participation
Every child with Down syndrome has the right to take part and be included in any activities. As mentioned above, children with Down syndrome indeed may face some physical challenges that might slow them down in their daily life.
However, this does not mean that we should ban them from participating in any activities. To ensure they understand the instructions for each activity, we should:
- use short and simple sentences
- allow processing time around 10 seconds before you proceed to the next instructions
- give one instruction in one sentence
With that, they will be able to share ideas and experiences like the others by having the time and adjustments needed to take part.
#3: Refer to the Children Respectfully
How we refer to the children with Down syndrome verbally can have a tremendous impact on them. Thus, it is our responsibility to educate ourselves and our children on the use of appropriate language.
When we use words that put people first, we are emphasising the person and not the disability. With this, we are also showing our understanding that children with Down syndrome are individuals with equal potential, skills and needs as any other children.
Before addressing any child with disability, try to ask around how he/she wishes to be called and respect their preferences. For instance, we should use ‘a child with Down syndrome’ instead of ‘Down syndrome kid’.
Here’s what to say and what not to say whenever we are interacting with children with Down syndrome:
#4: Create Opportunities for Children With Down Syndrome To Interact With Other Children
In order for our children to understand their peers with Down syndrome, we should encourage them to interact and have fun with them more. Educating our children to respect their peers with or without disabilities will certainly help to reduce discrimination and enhance social inclusion.
You can start with joining organisations that serve children with Down syndrome and bring your children along. Involve your children in activities that allow them to play and know more about children with Down syndrome. With that, your children will learn to respect and appreciate all their peers, whether they have differences or not.
Both you and your children can fight against the prejudices and biases that the societies have over children with disability. We can change how we treat children with Down syndrome. Be more open and respectful towards every individual regardless of abilities.
If you wish to see the beautiful side of children having peers with Down syndrome, click here.
Promote Inclusion for Every Child With Down Syndrome On World Down Syndrome Day
Every child with Down syndrome is unique with their own personalities. They might need more time to write and solve the math problems. They might need more time to put on their clothes. However, we need to understand that each one of them is trying very hard to complete daily tasks.
So always be kind, understanding and patient whenever you are spending time with them. Simply wait for ten more seconds, and you will be able to see children with Down syndrome catching up better.
Along with the World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) on 21st March 2022, we also ask for everyone to reflect over what ‘inclusion means’ when it comes to supporting these children. Let’s create a better world for our children regardless of their differences.
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