All 4-H'ers benefit from this experience. They learn that youngsters with disabilities are really not so different. They discover that all people have strengths and weaknesses and can do some things better than others. They learn to be less prejudiced and see the whole person with his or her unique abilities, not just his or her disability. All members grow as people by focusing on strengths, developing positive attitudes, and removing prejudices, while attaining a greater sense of achievement and positive self-image.
All members can enjoy the benefits of new friendships and shared experiences.
Staff can also broaden their own personal experiences and become more accepting and comfortable with people who are perceived to be different. During the past few years considerable attention has been given to the terminology used to describe disabling conditions and to categorize persons with disabilities. The motivation for this effort has been to reduce the emphasis on the disability and increase the focus on the person and his or her abilities. In working with children with disabilities, it is important to build their self-worth by using terms that encourage and build up. Remember , the attention should be given to the child, not the disability.