Kids Quest Brings Fun to Kids with Disabilities

Kids who don't have a disability, have not been exposed to disabilities, or who are just starting to learn about or experience disabilities, sometimes do not understand what disabilities are or how to deal with them. The wrong information, or no experience or information at all about disabilities, can often lead to confusion. When kids don't understand things, sometimes they tease or otherwise act inappropriately. Kids' Quest is a fun, new way to help educate kids about disabilities.

What is Kids' Quest?

Kids' Quest is a series of online adventures, or quests, for kids to partake in. Through the Kids' Quest Web site, kids can easily access information about disabilities. The site is an interactive, Internet learning tool that helps kids gain the information and knowledge they need for a better understanding about disabilities. Kids' Quest was started as a way to inform children about issues that kids with disabilities face, such as the daily activities they experience, health concerns and accessibility issues.

How Does Kids' Quest Work?

Kids can start with a simple subject and click their way through questions, scenarios, activities and more to learn about disabilities in general or even a specific condition they may be wondering about or assigned to learn about. Each quest starts with assessing the child's attitude toward disabilities by offering a short test to see what the child thinks about certain issues related to disabilities. The child is then asked to come up with further questions he may have. Then there is a trivia section, as well as access to further information and fun around the web. Parents and teachers can further enhance the lessons by following along and prompting the kids with questions and discussions at various points. The last step in each quest is meant to reassess the child's attitude toward disabilities.

Why Do Children Like Kids' Quest?

Kids can enjoy the unique platform on Kids' Quest because there are varied ways to learn. It isn't the same as everyday schoolwork. For instance, there are interactive quizzes, games and activities, and even links to outside Web sites for exploring further.

How Does Kids' Quest Help Kids With Disabilities?

Kids with disabilities can benefit from Kids' Quest in more than one way. They can use it as a tool to learn about their own condition, especially if they have just been diagnosed. Learning more about their disability could help them deal with it better. Another way kids with disabilities could benefit involves other children. Generally when children tease kids with disabilities, it is due to lack of knowledge on the subject. Kids often make fun of what they cannot understand. By educating children on the subject of disabilities, it can prevent kids with disabilities from being bullied or teased. It could also help them make friends, because more kids may realize that a kid with disabilities is no different than they are in terms of being worthy of friendship and respect.

Source:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)/ Kids' Quest
http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/kids/