Learning Disabilities & Handicaps

Okay, so this started off as an entry in my blog notebook but it's now being typed up without any notes.  I've discussed this before but I'm going to put a different spin on it.  As my blog readers will know, I work with special needs kids.  I also have a learning disability.  So this subject is something that I can relate too in a way.  The subject for this post is actually more how I feel others look upon those with handicaps or learning disabilities.   I'm sure how I want this post to turn out.  Hopefully you'll get something out of it.

At work, I see a lot of interaction between the general education kids and my kids.  Some of the interactions are peaceful while others are filled with teasing and a leave a sour taste on my mind.  It really gets me pissed when I see the kids being teased.  Sometimes, it happens behind their back and others times it's pretty right out in front of them.  Honestly, I would rather it be done behind their back.  It doesn't stop the teasing though.  I don't know what possesses people to be mean to them.   For as much as we try to get people to realize that those with handicaps aren't much different then they are.

It's true, we aren't so much different from everyone else.  It's different to be just learning disabled then say to be physically disabled or to have a handicap.  It's not the differences that I want to address here. For as different, as they may look or for as different as they may act, they're people.  They have feelings. They bleed, and they hurt.  My kids want to fit in with their peers.  They want friends.  Sometimes, they maybe a little less mature then the other kids but it's okay.  When you see someone who has a disability, smile at them make their day.  If you see them behind the counter at  resturant, remember that they may not be as fast and if they make a mistake be patient.  We can do just about anything, sometimes, we just need a little modification.

Consider this for a second, I suck at math.  Yeah math is my absolute scariest subject.  You won't notice any other issue with me.  I needed help with math in school.  I also recieved other help in elementary but that is neither here nor there.  What matters is that I do math with a calculator.  Sure, I've faced my demon via college, but I still struggle.  Modifactions help our kids do their best. 

We want our students to succeed.  Sometimes, that means making some changes to the work.  We keep the same expectations.  We expect them to do good on their grades.  We expect them to treat others with respect.  We expect others to do the same thing.  No matter the handicap, they are people too.

This marks the end of part one