Importance of Independence & Communication in Relation to Victimization & Bullying

[MUSIC PLAYING] LAURA BUCKNER: So we're talking about transition. We're talking about our kids are going to grow up. I want to talk to you about something that's not so easy to talk about. It's hard for me to talk about. And I know it's hard for you to hear because it's what we probably fear the most for our kids. We know that by virtue of the disability and their need for support that our kids are more vulnerable to potential victimization. They're easier targets for people to bully, for people to take advantage financially, physically, all of those ways, for people to hurt them. And yet, I also know-- and I meet parents all over the country who share this fear. And with the best of intentions, they unintentionally set their child up even more so for potential victimization because they do everything for their child. And I'll say so what are you thinking when your child's 30? "Oh, they'll live with me." Well, the reality is we're not going to always be here. The reality is things happen. And I know that what helps my son be as safe as he can be in this world is to help him be as independent as he can be on the things he can do for himself, to know how to ask for help when he needs assistance, to know who he can ask for help and how he can ask for help that doesn't help him be an easy target. It might take longer. Your child might not be good at it at first. That's OK. Take the time to help them do things for themselves to the best of their ability. Help them know how to state what their needs are and who to ask for help when they need it because you are setting them up to be able to better protect themselves in this world. [MUSIC PLAYING]