Let’s Go / Let’s Grow: Inclusive 4-H
Including Youth with Disabilities
Including Youth with Disabilities
Disability Awareness and Strategies for Success
In this presentation, we will:
Discuss how involving youth with disabilities fits with the
mission of 4-H
Define disabilities
Explore disabilities 4-H members might have
Learn tips and strategies for working with disabled youth
Including Youth with Disabilities
Why is it Important?
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 and Section 504
of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 are federal antidiscrimination
statutes designed to ensure equal access to opportunities and
benefits for qualified individuals with disabilities. The acts seek to
remove barriers preventing qualified people with disabilities from
enjoying the same programs and employment opportunities,
independent living and economic self-sufficiency enjoyed by those
without disabilities.
So…..it’s the law but more importantly, it’s the right thing to do.
Including Youth with Disabilities
Young People with Disabilities and the 4-H Mission
“To Make the Best Better” is the national motto of the 4-H
program. All youth can benefit from this approach
The 4-H mission is to create an environment for positive
youth development and enhance life skill development
So, rather than “Us4 and No More” – it should be “4-H 4 All”
Including Youth with Disabilities
What Does this Mean for Youth with Special Needs?
All youth need opportunities to be involved in activities
unique to their own talents and interests.
4-H can be an empowering pathway for youth with
disabilities and their families to receive what they want and
need:
the opportunity to be involved
make friendships
gain life skills.
Including Youth with Disabilities
What is a Disability?
A disability is defined as a physical or mental impairment
that substantially limits one or more major life activities
such as seeing, hearing, dressing, feeding, learning, and
playing.
It’s important to note that while youth may have
impairment in one area, they may also have exceptional
talent in another.
Including Youth with Disabilities
What Disabilities Might Youth Have?
ADD
AD/HD
Asthma
Autism
Cerebral Palsy
Cystic Fibrosis
Diabetes
Down’s Syndrome
Dyslexia
Epilepsy
Hearing Impairments
Muscular Dystrophy
Speech & Hearing Disorders
Spina Bifida
Spinal Cord Injuries
Visual Impairment
Tourette Syndrome
Including Youth with Disabilities
When Preparing to Work with All Youth:
Include an appropriate statement for accommodation requests in all
media promoting every event and activity.
If you need any type of accommodation to participate in this
program or have questions about the physical access provided,
please contact __________(list name and phone number of the
local program office and program contact) by ____________
(include a deadline at least 2 weeks prior to the program or
event).
If a request is made – the Extension office will follow the Texas A&M
AgriLife Extension Service 4-H Program Accessibility Guidelines for
Persons with Disabilities
Including Youth with Disabilities
When Working with Youth with Disabilities:
If a parent or guardian requests an accommodation, ask her or him what they
feel would help the child to be successful?
Offer a reasonable accommodation that promotes a positive experience for the
child but does not cause an undue hardship for Extension or pose a direct threat
to the safety of the participant or others.
Consider each case individually.
Allow a caregiver, sibling or older teen 4-Her or volunteer to provide
assistance and consider adjusting or eliminating the cost for registration,
meals or lodging. This is often less of a burden than 24/7 assistance from a
professional provider.
Requests for assistance with a high cost trip such as National 4-H Congress
should be discussed with the State 4-H leader before any decisions are made.
Including Youth with Disabilities
When Working with Youth with Disabilities:
Create an environment in which all members feel accepted
and secure.
Include members with disabilities by accepting them as
young people who have the same needs, interests, and
challenges as other youth.
Learn about the child’s disability to better understand their
abilities and limitations.
Remember each person has a chronological, emotional and
social age, and a given level of physical development and
capability. He/she may be functioning differently in each.
Including Youth with Disabilities
When Working with Youth with Disabilities:
Use people first language – Say “the person/child with a
disability” not “the disabled child.”
He/she has a cognitive disability not He is mentally challenged
He/she has Down’s syndrome not He/she’s a Down’s child
He/she is a child who needs assistance not He/she is a special
needs child
He/she uses a wheelchair not He/she is wheelchair bound
Including Youth with Disabilities
When Working with Youth with Disabilities:
Assess the physical environment and make adaptations as
needed.
Consider each accommodation on a case by case basis.
Ask what help is needed rather than assuming the person
needs assistance.
Make reasonable accommodations but do not let the
disabled youth be the center of attention or provide
him/her with unnecessary privileges.
Encourage full participation in all activities.
Including Youth with Disabilities
When Working with Youth with Disabilities:
Prepare other youth to work cooperatively with the young
person with a disability.
Help a youth with a disability help him/herself. This will lead to
increased independence.
Ask participants with disabilities what they would like to do.
Recognize that young people with disabilities can help you
concentrate on their abilities, not their disabilities.
Help the young person set realistic goals and standards
promoting self-satisfaction and realistic achievements.
Including Youth with Disabilities
When Working with Youth with Disabilities:

Talk to the child’s parent(s) or teachers. They can often provide you with hints
concerning the child’s abilities and suggest techniques for communication and
behavior management. Note: due to federal laws, teachers may or may not
feel comfortable sharing.

Center activities on normal behaviors of the age group.

Use activities that foster cooperation rather than competition.

Alternate between quiet and action oriented activities to avoid over
stimulation.
Including Youth with Disabilities
When Working with Youth with Disabilities:
Be firm and use behavioral modification techniques when
needed, but also be quick to praise.
Break tasks down and honor requests for additional
direction or guidance.
Encourage physical activities but allow multiple ways to be
involved and engaged.
Be aware of any medications being used and their side effects.
Others will Model
Your Response
Children may not
listen, but they
are very good at
imitating!
Laura Bush
Including Youth with Disabilities
Questions, comments or concerns?
Please contact:
Jill Martz, Extension Specialist
4-H Youth Development: Inclusion
(jill.martz@ag.tamu.edu)