Disabilities

ok. So I look at it like this. We all have something that enables us to preform at a certain level in some aspect of our lives. Therefore we ALL have some sort of a disability.

I have been around and have worked with young people with physical and mental disablities ever since I was in third grade. My dad worked at a children's habilitation center where young people with major disabilies lived. We would go every week to do activities like art projects, relay races, take them bowling, ect. I remember learning how to use sign language to sign to this one boy named Mario who was bound to a wheel chair. It always gave him a huge grin on his face when you would sign "M" to him and motion with your hands a smiley face. That's how he knew his name.

I also took part in Best Buddies in high school where you were paired up with a disabled student and talked with them about school, take them to events, and participate in the Special Olympics every year. My junior year I had Ben who had down syndrome and my senior year I had Nick who had some physical issues but I never knew what. Both of these boys were fun and energetic people. They enjoyed hanging out with other students that were in their school and had tons of school spirit. It was so much fun seeing them at football games all decked out in school colors. I do not keep intouch with them but at times, I wish I still did.

I noticed when I spent time talking with these boys about school, they had a positive outlook on their classes. These boys enjoyed being apart of the school community and I think that best atmosphere for them to go to school was one where they were accepted by others and participated along side them. Our school and teachers were always willing to involve students with disabilities in musicals, sports, ect. They took some classes with special needs teachers but often some where able to take classes with normal students. They were Incorporated, not pushed aside. As a teacher, I hope that the atmosphere I create in my classroom is that everyone is welcome. I think the best subject that could show off the talents of students with disabilities is ART!