Adelia touching a friend’s face
Disabilities

If you have a disability, such as impaired vision or hearing, you should have the same freedoms and rights as all other children.

You also have the right support so that you can live a good life. But children who have a disability of some sort are often among the most vulnerable and discriminated against in society. In many countries, children with disabilities are not even allowed to go to school, play or participate in society on the same terms as other children. There are at least 93 million children with disabilities in the world, but the statistics are uncertain and there are probably many more.

Samuel and Adelia learn to read and write in Braille, a special language for those who are blind or have a visual impairment. Learn how Samuel got some of his eyesight back!

Language matters

Over the years, many different words have been used about people with disabilities, words that often make people feel they are worth less than others. Today, you often see the phrase differently-abled. We all have abilities, inabilities, strengths and weaknesses. Being differently-abled means that in some way we differ from what most people in society are able to do. The most important thing is that you and your friends treat all children equally, and make sure that the rights of all children are respected. Together we can fight to reduce the obstacles for children with disabilities throughout society. And preferably start using the word differently-abled.

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