Presume Competence
Presume Competence because each child has the potential to develop their skills to think, learn and understand.
We need to believe it even if we can't see it because it might be that you just can't see it yet.
It's like when they say "innocent until proven guilty". Presuming competence respects that every individual is unique, and even if they may need special needs, they deserve the opportunity to participate in day to day events and activities with the least restrictions.
Approaching them this way is about having an openness to make accommodations and adjustments when it's needed, which is strengths-based and a more positive approach that builds on an individual's personal skill and confidence. Because imagine when you presume incompetence but you were wrong... we might actually cause them more harm.
We celebrated the International Day for Persons with Disabilities on December 3. Allow PWDs to surprise you with what they're truly capable of.
