how do you teach kids the difference between empathy and pity...

[boobaloo]

when it comes to people with disabilities?

not sure if this was the right place to post this, so mods feel free to move it.

but how do you teach your children to empathise with people who have mental/physical/both disabilites, without making these people feel as though they are being pitied?

we have 2 young family friends with downs syndrome, and we often see groups with carers of people with severe physical disabilities, and i want my children to understand about these problems, without pity. does that make any sense?

eg. if your child was staring at someone with a disability, what would you say to them (your child), to stop them staring and explain why this person looks/acts a bit different?

i know my kids are a bit young for this atm, i was just thinking about it the other day..

also, mothers with disabled children, what would you like people to explain to thier kids?

please note, this thread was not written to cause offence or upset to anybody, i just want my kids to have respect for all kinds of people, and want to know the best way to teach / explain.