Imagine if you will, a child with a “normal” life, full of sports, friends, activities, schedules, visions, hopes and dreams of the future. Then suddenly, this child’s life is changed by an accident, disease, surgery, or other event that leaves her permanently disfigured and/or disabled. She may be burned, paralyzed, have lost limbs or sight, or have suffered other radical changes in the way she appears to and functions in the world. In spite of the fact that life has changed forever for her, this child is expected to re-enter, interact and function in her “old” world just as she did before.
For this child and others like her whose lives were normal until an accident or traumatic injury occurred, giving her the tools to bridge an awkward silence and to answer any questions friends, family or strangers may ask, will help her re-enter her former life with the grace and confidence that comes not only from being comfortable in her own skin, but also from being a secure and effective communicator.
It is not just the injured child that is affected. Families will also feel the social-emotional impact of this trauma. We will support the family by educating them as well and by giving them the understanding and competency to help guide and support the child.
Kathy Adams RN, BSN, is a nurse educator who at age 8 suffered a permanent disfigurement and disability. She leads this program to teach children appropriate and productive ways to handle the inevitable questions from and promote healthy interactions with both friends and strangers.
These classes are presented through small-group workshops and symposiums. We extend this program to teach parents and health care workers how best to communicate with each child to empower them, teach them to manage their challenges, and support them as they re-enter the world outside the hospital and rehabilitation center.
