Gillette Makes It ‘Okay to Ask’ About Living with Disabilities

Children may assume that because someone has a disability that something is wrong with them. Gillette Children’s Speciality Healthcare in St. Paul is addressing this issue with a new children’s book, “It’s Okay to Ask!”

“This program aims to change how children view other children who have disabilities, specifically from a place of pity toward one of acceptance,” said Richard DiPrima Psy.D., a neuropsychologist at Gillette.

The children’s book is one of the many ways Gillette supports children living with complex, rare and traumatic conditions beyond its hospital and clinic walls. The hospital also fosters children’s well-being through the CurePity™ movement. Additionally, Gillette partnered with CenturyLink to publish the book and send a copy to every public library and public school across Minnesota. The book also is available online for purchase.

Watch this video featuring Hayden Zeleney, a normal kid living with cerebral palsy, about the importance of educating children that “it’s okay” to ask about each others’ differences.