Talking to your child about disability isn’t always easy. You may wonder what to say, when to start, or whether they’ll fully understand. Whether your child has a disability or not, these conversations matter.

When children learn that disability is a natural part of human diversity, they are more likely to develop confidence, empathy, acceptance, and respect for themselves and others. For children with disabilities, understanding their disability also lays the foundation for self-advocacy, independence, and healthy self-esteem.

July is Disability Pride Month, making it a meaningful time to start or continue these conversations. The 2026 theme, “The World Works Better With Us,” reminds us that disability is a valuable part of our communities and that every person has unique strengths and perspectives to share.

Talking to Your Child About Their Disability

If your child has a disability, learning about their diagnosis is just as important as learning about their strengths, interests, and dreams. Children who understand their disability are better prepared to recognize their needs, advocate for themselves, and develop confidence in who they are.

Before talking with your child, take time to make sure you have accepted the diagnosis and feel comfortable discussing it in a positive and supportive way. A new diagnosis can be an emotional experience for families, often bringing grief and uncertainty alongside many new challenges. If you’re struggling, resources such as the Utah Parent Center’s free New Diagnosis Support Group or individual counseling can help.

Every child is different, but these tips can guide the conversation:

• Tailor discussions to your child’s age and level of understanding.
• Highlight their strengths, interests, and achievements.
• Keep the conversation ongoing and expect questions over time.
• Validate your child’s differences and uniqueness so they learn to value themselves and others.
• Encourage self-advocacy by practicing how to request accommodations and support.
• Educate family members and friends about your child’s disability.
• When appropriate, give your child opportunities to explain their disability and needs to teachers, classmates, and others. Consider sharing resources such as Telling Class About Disability to help prepare for these conversations.

Teaching Self-Advocacy

As children and youth grow, understanding their disability helps them recognize what supports they need and how to communicate those needs. Self-advocacy can help prevent burnout, build independence, and increase self-esteem.

Some children may not communicate verbally or may have difficulty understanding complex concepts. Even so, every child can learn and practice self-advocacy.

Parents, caregivers, and educators can encourage autonomy by:

• Respecting boundaries, preferences, and refusals.
• Teaching consent.
• Building trust.
• Offering meaningful choices throughout the day.
• Using assistive communication tools and supports.

These everyday experiences help children develop confidence, independence, and a sense of control over their own lives.

Teaching Inclusion and Acceptance

These conversations shouldn’t only happen in families of children with disabilities. Teaching all children about disability helps create schools and communities where everyone feels they belong.

You can help by:

• Normalizing disability and answering questions honestly and respectfully.
• Modeling respectful and appropriate language.
• Reading books and watching movies that include people with disabilities.
• Explaining accessibility as a tool. For example, a ramp provides access just as stairs do, and a wheelchair is a tool that helps someone move independently.

When children understand disability, they develop empathy, appreciation for differences, and respect for others.

The Role of Schools

Schools also play an important role in shaping how children understand disability. Inclusive classrooms, supported by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), help students recognize that differences are a normal part of life.

All students benefit when teachers:

• Foster belonging and friendship.
• Listen to student self-advocates.
• Provide appropriate accommodations and supports.
• Encourage open and respectful conversations about disability.

When schools create welcoming environments, students with and without disabilities thrive together.

Why Disability Pride Month Matters

Disability Pride Month is more than a celebration. It recognizes disability as a natural part of human diversity and promotes self-advocacy, acceptance, inclusion, equity, and accessibility. It is also a time to celebrate disabled culture, resilience, and the many contributions people with disabilities make to our communities while encouraging us to recognize and reject ableism.

Learning disability history helps us understand why these conversations matter.

On July 26, 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law, prohibiting discrimination against people with disabilities in many areas of life. The ADA built on earlier legislation, including the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Education for All Handicapped Children Act. Securing these civil rights required decades of advocacy by individuals with disabilities, families, and allies.

Because of their efforts, people with disabilities have greater access and legal protections today. While tremendous progress has been made, barriers, misunderstandings, and discrimination still exist.

One way we honor those who came before us is by continuing their legacy of advocacy in our homes, schools, and communities. Every time we teach our children about disability, encourage self-advocacy, or create opportunities for belonging, we help build a more inclusive future.

This Disability Pride Month, let’s celebrate the strengths, talents, and perspectives that people with disabilities bring to our communities. Every person has something valuable to contribute, and by creating a more accessible and inclusive world, we help ensure everyone is welcomed, supported, and able to thrive.

The world truly works better with all of us in it.