Monday, August 15, 2011

Special Needs People are Special

I know a lot of people tend to be afraid or nervous around Special Needs people.  I do understand but I'd like to dispel some of their anxiety.

I've not only raised my two special kids but I worked in the school district here for 7 years.  I always interacted with the special kids but for a year, I worked directly with them as a Special Education Educational Assistant.  In addition to that, I have a great nephew that is severely autistic.  Once again, NO kudos to me, please.  I am the one that has been enriched beyond words in getting to know all of these special people!

I'd like to send you here to a post I made long ago.  I'd like to think it will help people see these special people from another perspective.

THANK you for taking the time to read my simple observations.

14 comments:

Lisa @ Two Bears Farm said...

I worked with a lot of special needs kids with my jobs. I remember one case in particular - the file came to my desk so thick - it was a sex offender case. As a female, I didn't like getting sex offender cases anyhow. This case file talked about how hard it would be to treat the kid - 17 years old, deaf, and borderline mentally retarded. I groaned. I wondered why my boss picked me for the case, and not one of the tougher male probation officers.

I have to tell you though, this kid worked SO hard to make things right and invest in therapy. He never skipped an appointment or popped an attitude. He and his single mom were so nice and cooperative, and some of the situations involved in him getting charges were definitely due to pressure from other kids and a lack of awareness on his part. He worked really hard to change all that, and although it didn't change what he did (which was horrible, no doubt) I was so proud of him when he completed the program and was released from probation. And I feel bad for judging that file without meeting him first - you just don't always know until you get to know someone. Later, after it was all over and done with, my boss confided that he gave me the case because he felt like with all the disabilities and everything against this kid, he needed a worker who could be more understanding and try to connect with him. I'm glad that I gave him a chance, in the end, and I have to say that it was a privilege to work with him. He was one of my favorite clients.

Furry Bottoms said...

I agree that special needs people are just people too. We're just people who live life differently because we have different limitations than the normal. We have to live life the only way we know how to, using our disabilities to our advantage in however way we can find... and it is going to be different than how you live your life. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that.

Paula said...

I went there to read and you said it all. Remembering my brother-in-law and taking him to the grocery store and seeing people stare or giggle. He not only was mentally challenged but weighed almost 300 pounds. The smallest things could make him happy such as getting a haircut. Thank you for putting this out into blogland, you say it so well.

My Mind's Eye said...

Mom and I are learning so much from you and we do so appreciate your sharing your experiences...knowledge is powerful.
Hugs Madi and Mom

Kandi said...

Somehow I missed that post the first time around but I am so glad you pointed us back there today. Very well written and informative!

Leontien said...

Hi lady!
I too have not read this post of yours before. I thought it was a wonderful one.

Thank you with posting it again so we could read it.

Leontien

Sharon said...

Having special needs Grandchildren, I know they are really special, first hand! Very lovable! Funny! Caring! (and a whole lot more)

Reena said...

Jill, your post on "I Am .." is wonderful! I have a grandson who is autistic and will face challenges all his life. But you hit the nail on the head ... they come back each day with a smile to try try try again! They are indeed "special"!

Betsy Brock said...

What a wise, thoughtful post. Thank you! :)

Janie said...

People are afraid of the unknown. I worked in the school system long ago but not with special need children. I am so glad we have people like you Jill. I bet the children love you dearly. To have one person to understand and connect with in school is big. Yes you do need Kudos...

Dianna said...

I don't think I had discovered your blog when you posted "I Am". It's a wonderful post. Thanks for your insight.

Nancy said...

Jill -- big kudos and hugs for all that you do. It takes a special and patient person.

Ellie said...

There will always be people who will pick on the vulnerable, it is a huge weekness on their part, but it is so unfair. I never did understand it.
I take my hat off to you. You have a heart of gold.

Ed Pilolla said...

i'm glad you are sharing yourself and your world like this. it's a beautiful world that looks scary from the outside. i see that now. thanks.
:)