Teach a child to discover his strengths by pointing out things he does well or finds easy to learn and execute. Help him identify weaknesses and disabilities that you may discover through physical or developmental testing. Encourage him to ask for help if he can’t see the chalkboard, for example. Brainstorm ideas he can use to function better in the classroom such as asking to move toward the front of the room, using special tools to see or receiving hard copies of materials he can't see. Remind the child that others cannot see out of his eyes and won’t know that the pupil can’t see the material. Suggest scheduling a private conference with the teacher to discuss any problems.
Coach the child to stop and assess her needs before asking for help. Brainstorm possible ways to meet the need with the child and propose the options she could suggest to the teacher. For example, if the child is too short to reach necessary supplies, she might ask if she can keep some frequently used supplies at her desk. She could also suggest moving the item where she can reach it, and perhaps the move will assist another student who can’t reach it. As a third option, she can ask if she can use a grabber tool, step stool or get assistance from someone to reach the required item.
Model clear communication and have your child practice it in role-play to make it less threatening. For example, give her a box with all of the resources needed to complete an assignment except for one item. Have her inventory the box contents and discover what she lacks, then approach you and ask for the missing item. Give her the missing item and congratulate her for clearly communicating her need. Explain that this skill works in all kinds of arenas and will help her succeed in life.
Educate your child to know his rights. He should know that each student has the right to receive special support if he has a disability or cannot accomplish a task through normal means. Explain that people may not discriminate against him because of a disability and that the law may require the school to provide an aid, special classes or other help to achieve educational success. Encourage him to push for assistance when it is needed and insist that others respect his rights.