This is Carolyn. Like many kids her age, Carolyn loves animals,
castles, and building with blocks.
She is helpful to her mom and dad and even to her baby brother.
Carolyn started a new school this year.
She thinks her teacher seems nice and she is getting to know her
classmates.
The other students are curious about Carolyn because she uses a
wheelchair.
Carolyn is a happy, energetic, caring first-grader who just happens to
be in a wheelchair. She's excited to start her new year of school and
make new friends. Yes I Can! follows Carolyn on a typical day at home,
at school, and even on a field trip! She can do almost everything the
other kids can, even if sometimes she has to do it a little differently.
Includes a Note to Parents, Caregivers, and Teachers with more
information on discussing disabilities with children and helping them to
build positive, empathic relationships.
From the Note to Parents, Caregivers, and Teachers:
Sometimes, even with answers to questions, some children continue to be
reluctant to interact with a classmate with a disability. Encourage your
children to smile and say hello. If you are a parent or caregiver, reach
out to the parent of the child who uses a wheelchair and suggest a play
date. Talk to your child about their reluctance. Help them put their
worries into words. It can be easier to address specific worries or
questions, like we did above, than an unspecified reluctance.
If you are reading this book because your child has teased or made fun
of a classmate with a disability, remind them that all children have
feelings and that their classmate feels hurt just like your child would
if someone teased them. Model kindness toward people with disabilities.
Demonstrate making eye contact with and saying hello to people in
wheelchairs. With some basic information, and adjusting games and
activities so that a peer with a disability can participate, young
children can easily learn to make accommodations for peers with
disabilities.
If you are fortunate enough to guide children in this process, they may
surprise you with their motivation and creativity. The experience of
working together to solve problems of playing with one another can allow
a child in a wheelchair to feel included and provide a learning
experience in empathy for classmates.
