As you know, I teach students with moderate to profound intellectual and physical disabilities. Often, my kids are ignored because they are "different" and people don't know how to react to them or talk to them. It breaks my heart to see them turned away simply because they are different. That being said, I know that some people are afraid of what they don't understand, and they don't understand my kids or how to interact with them. BUT...
There are some students within the school who break these barriers. Sure, some of them weren't sure how to interact at first, but they see the beauty within my kids. They have learned what so many people are missing out on: they're an amazing group of human beings who are worthy of having friendships with just like everyone else! Last year, Matthew and Jasmine were so amazing with them each and every day. They would come in before school and at various times throughout the day and would speak to my kids by name. They learned things about them that they enjoyed and that they would like to talk about/see/do. You see, for my kids, to be included is amazing. To be able to say hello to a friend in the hallway is exciting! To have a friend say hello to you first is something to go home and talk about!!
I was nervous to begin this year because, while other kids would come in throughout the day last year, it wasn't like Jasmine and Matthew. I realized, however, that they had graduated and I had to come to terms with the fact that my kids might not have the same general education connection this year. But, others have stepped in and stepped up. They are not replacting last year's crew: we'll forever miss them and what they were to us. Still, they are exactly what we need. It's exciting to see new friendships, new realizations, and new understanding that while a student may not be able to talk, she is truly able to communicate. It is my prayer that while these acquaintanceships and friendships may not last forever, the impact lives on for both parties.
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