Special education, children with disabilities, or adults with disabilities always seem to be subjects that make people feel uncomfortable. People do not know what they are supposed to say when these subjects are brought up. In my case, I could spend hours upon hours talking about the amazing things I've learned throughout my experience with special education.
I'm a senior at Sam Houston State University. I am an ec-6 generalist and my minor is K-12 special education. My minor is my passion and I wish everyone got to experience what I have experienced. I want to tell you what children and adults with special needs have taught me. I want to tell you how these individuals have touched my life more than they even know.
Patience.
I am not normally a patient person. I get frustrated in traffic. It bothers me when Sonic takes 10 minutes with my Route 44 water. These individuals have taught me patience because sometimes things take time. I have learned that sometimes it takes 10 minutes to get down the hallway. I have learned that sometimes it takes months of practice for a child to learn to write even the first letter of their name. I have learned that it is okay when things take longer than they should because the outcome is amazing. It is amazing to watch a child master something they have been working so hard for. Patience is truly a virtue. People tell me all the time that I must have the patience of a saint to be able to work with children that have disabilities. I am no saint. I am far from being the most patient person. I have taught those children a skill to make their lives better. Those children have taught me to be patient. Baby steps are fine, and for that I am thankful.
The little things really do matter the most, and not to take things for granted.
What do you do when you get up in the morning? You open your eyes, stand up, walk to the bathroom. Sounds simple, right? Imagine waking up and not being able to walk. Imagine trying to shower but not being able to turn on the water alone. Imagine going through life seeing everything differently, and nobody really understands you. I cannot imagine it, but I have seen children and adults live it. We take things for granted all the time. We take being able to communicate feelings for granted. What if you could not tell your mom that you loved her? What if you had to go through life not being able to drive yourself because of a disability? Maybe you love football, but what if something you have no control over prevented you from ever playing it? I have watched children heartbroken over not being able to participate normally due to a disability. Let me tell you, there is no heartache like that. Do not take things for granted because someone would love to be able to do things by themselves.
Actions really do speak louder than words.
Many kids in special education are nonverbal. I have spent many hours trying to understand or communicate with these children or adults. Some children I have known for years and I have learned to understand them. For others, well, actions are just better. I have learned to talk with my hands; that instead of just saying good job I now also give a high five. Let's be honest, high fives are way better! I have learned that giving a hug means so much more than just saying that it will be okay. I have learned that shaking my finger is sometimes more effective than just saying no. I have learned that even if a kid does not ever say a word to me but takes my hand in the hallway it means that sometimes words are not needed. Open the door for someone, give a high five or simply act with kindness because actions are always louder.
Don't give up.
Life is hard. Sometimes it is SO hard to get up and be positive all day. I try my best, I fail constantly, and I try again the next day. These children have taught me that anything is possible. It is possible to learn to walk down the hall with your hands behind your back, even when we have to practice for 30 minutes. It is possible to learn not to hit your friends, even if you have to sit in time out five times. It is possible to take those first steps, literally. It is possible to overcome the stereotypes of the world and be the best YOU can be. I will do my best every day not to give up,
because I have children who need me.
I feel as if I fall short when I try to explain how much I have learned from these amazing children. It warms my heart when I watch a child accomplish something they have worked so hard for. It breaks my heart when I find out that people treat them differently.
I'm asking you to spend a day with one of these children. Find somewhere to volunteer. Do something. You think you have patience? You think you don't take things for granted? You think words are the only way to communicate? You think it is okay to give up? You're wrong. Make yourself a better person by letting your life be changed by someone who doesn't even know they're changing it. It is supposed to be my job to teach these children, and I hope I can teach them as much as they teach me. I may fall short, I may mess up but at the end of the day, but I have children who need me and count on me. If I can help them accomplish their goals, I am doing my job, and that's enough to make me happy.
