Wow. It is so interesting for me to see "things from the other side" so to speak. As a kid in public schools, I always wanted to be "normal." In many aspects I was, but when it came to sports, I was always the last to be chosen and no one wanted me on his or her team. I understood why at the time, but still it hurt. Still, I am glad that my mother did not try to shelter me. From a very young age, she made it clear that I did have a disability, but still I was strong in other areas. She encouraged me and explained to me all about my medical condition.
One school memory really stands out in my mind. In the eighth grade we were practicing basketball skills. Of course I was not good, but I could hit some shots occasionally. Well I missed an important one and some of the guys in the class booed me. The coach, who also taught history, said something like well the next time some of you fail another test, I am going to let Joel stand up and boo you. I don't know if his comment made any difference as to how those other students saw me, but I do know that it solidified in my mind that I did have skills others did not possess.
So in some strange way, I have mixed feelings about curricula that perhaps does not allow for students to overcome their own challenges. I know that I am not expressing this idea clearly, but I want students to become strong in their own ways. By not over protecting me, my mother made me grow strong and figure things out for myself. I am not saying that disability studies should be neglected, but I think an overriding factor in this field shoud be that individual strengths should be recognized, applauded, and encouraged.
Joel
Comments (10)
Joel, that is a great story. That's the kind of teachable moment we should be looking for. In your experience would you say that having the label of a disability has been more helpful or hurtful to you? Do you see any benefit in this kind of labeling? It seems some might be hurt by it, some might use it as an excuse, and some might realize other strengths instead of dwelling on the weakness. Disabilities so often force an involuntary public display of a weakness; I'm curious about the effects of the daily experience that a label brings. We all have weaknesses, of course...just some of us have an easier time of hiding them!
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