Kids with disabilities want to make close friends just like any other kids. But for them it can be challenging.
Sometimes they are excluded, left out or ignored. They have lower participation rates in summer camps, volunteer work, recreational activities, and part-time or summer jobs – important experiences for many young people to develop life skills and have a full life.
In fact, 53 percent of kids who have disabilities have zero or only one close friend.
So Holland Bloorview asked parents: “What advice do you have for parents when they’re talking to their kids about being friends with kids with disabilities?” Here’s what parents said about helping their child with disabilities make friends.