What strategy can help students with disabilities when making new friends?

Encouraging openness and practice in communication is a highly effective strategy for helping students with disabilities when it comes to making new friends. Building friendships often relies on the ability to communicate effectively and engage with peers. When students are encouraged to express themselves and practice their social skills, they become more confident and capable in initiating conversations and maintaining social interactions.

This approach not only helps to develop verbal communication skills but also fosters non-verbal cues, such as body language and eye contact, which are essential in building rapport with others. Open communication creates an inviting atmosphere, which can help students feel more comfortable in social settings.

Engaging in communication practice also affords opportunities for students to learn about social norms, share interests, and find common ground with potential friends. Ultimately, this strategy supports social inclusion and the development of lasting friendships among peers, which is vital for the emotional and social well-being of students with disabilities.