Recognize

kids and youth with disabilities can help YOU grow.

Understand

that part of your role may involve developing new skills to better support and advocate for your child.

Support

kids and youth with disabilities in identifying and reaching THEIR life goals.

Encourage

kids and youth with disabilities to participate in recreation, work, or volunteer activities to help them build friendships and life experiences.

Celebrate

differences!

Expect a lot

from kids and youth with disabilities when helping them create good lives.

Assist

kids and youth with disabilities in taking calculated risks to achieve their goals.

Help

kids and youth learn how to communicate with others about their disability and advocate for their needs and goals when they choose.

Discourage

stigmatizing kids and youth with different types of disabilities than your child.

Appreciate

that goals can change or be adapted over time and that is okay.

Build

on your child’s strengths and goals rather than focusing exclusively on disability.

Maintain and develop

and develop social networks with people who have common interests and who can be allies to your family.