creates a sense of connection and understanding. Encouraging shared activities and focusing on similarities rather than differences fosters a sense of belonging and friendship among all children, regardless of their abilities. Learning to cultivate relationships with those who have an alternate way of communication has taught me the importance of patience, compassion and understanding. My personal experiences have reshaped my juvenile perspective, offering a newfound appreciation for the uniqueness and richness that each individual brings to the table. The fact of the matter is that our differences never devalue our worth. No one can choose the way they are born, but we can always choose how we treat others. In the end, we may just find that our differences only bring us closer together. program that promotes friendship between people from all walks of life. As a club member and now an officer of the club at my school, I have experienced the incredible joy special education students bring. While it is easy to acknowledge the many differences that special education students may have in comparison to their peers, working with Best Buddies has taught me that in actuality, we are all the same. All children want to fit in, everyone has their bad days, and everyone has awkward moments, but everyone has the innate desire to build relationships and make life-long friends. To better navigate communicating with special education kids, children can start by showing interest in their hobbies and activities. Listening attentively and asking questions about their experiences 140 HAWAII PARENT May/June 2024 “Focusing on similarities rather than differences fosters a sense of belonging among all children, regardless of their abilities.”
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