What can FAMILY & EDUCATORS do?

Family and educators play a critical role in the expectations young people with disabilities develop for themselves. It is essential that they strengthen these expectations by instilling an early love of learning and cultivating a clear vision of work and community participation.

Consistency is key to infusing such expectations. The assumption of work should be echoed by all people of influence in a young person’s life. Parents, teachers, coaches, clergy, neighbors and others all play a powerful role in helping young people, especially those with disabilities, dream big and achieve their aspirations. As part of this, young people with disabilities should be encouraged to take risks and be given the freedom to fail and learn from their mistakes.