I am writing today (after taking a few months off-where does the time go??) to ask you for a favor of sorts. Let me give you some background first. In May I took a Special Ed teaching position at Will Rogers Middle School in Miami, OK for the 2013-14 school year. I have always had a heart for those who need a little (or a lot of) extra help, but since I have had Jack, it's turned into a passion of mine. I see these kids as "my kids"...maybe even more than before because I can so closely relate to what they go through everyday. I see their triumphs and victories after gaining a concept they have worked on over and over... and I also see their pain that occurs day in and day out when I look into their tear-filled eyes. It's all I can do to not join them and allow my tear-filled eyes to turn into alligator tears streaming down my face.
You might be wondering where you fit into this picture. Here's the favor I need from you-from every parent out there.
PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE talk to your kids about those with special needs. It might not seem like a big deal or something you need to do...but, it really is. We so strongly believe that communication is one of the biggest keys to true acceptance.
Start the conversation off with something like this and see where it leads.
1. Ask them to refrain from using the "R-Word". Or, tech-tard or any other form of "tard" out there. You'd be surprised how hurtful this is to our kids and how often it's used.
2. Ask them if they know any kids with special needs from school. If so, ask them to walk by this student and simply say "hello." It's amazing what a simple greeting can do for our kids' confidence.
3. Provide them with answers to questions they might have about kids who go to the resource room for extra help. Explain that these students might just need a quiet environment, or more one on one help...it's not because they are "dumb" or "stupid".
4. Ask them if they would be bold enough to defend a kid with special needs who is bullied. Teachers see lots of things, but not everything. We need others to be brave and stand up for our kids too!
5. And, lastly, share with your children Scripture about all of God's children. We are ALL fearfully and wonderfully made! Psalm 139:14
Do you still have questions on what to say and what not to say? We'd love to hear from you and keep the dialogue going...
Thanks in advance for joining us in our mission to educate, unify, and foster acceptance!
Tiffany