Great morning everyone and welcome to the Specialty Show where we
talk about special parents for special kids! I hope everyone is
enjoying the cool, crisp weather and the lovely fall scenery. This
time of year many of us parents are preparing for the holidays and
playing taxi driver to our kids for all the different sporting
activities and school functions taking place. It is a busy time of
year! Don't you agree?
A
few years back when my daughter first started middle school, I found
myself anxious and excited about all the different things she would
be participating in such as school dances, pep rallies and even what
sports she would try out for. I did not consider that because she was
a special education student she would be excluded. Why would she? In
my eyes she was just like any other teen walking the halls, she just
learned different. Well, a full school year passed and I never heard
about tryouts or any school dances. The following year, I decided to
take matters into my own hands and contact the principle with my
concerns. From that conversation, I realized that no other parent of
a child in special education classes had ever spoke up about their
child being included in school activities. Surprising, right?!
I
would like to encourage all of you listeners to ensure that your
child is not excluded from school activities. They are a part of the
student body and should be treated as such. I understand that due to
certain disabilities they may be limited to what they can do. But,
for those that are not as limited, find out their interest and
encourage them to participate in extra curricular activities. As a
result of my speaking up, my daughter has attended school dances and
games. She even goes to Drama class with regular education students!
The thing she loves the most is being a member of the cheer-leading
team!
It
can be tough raising a child with special needs and disabilities. As
parents we must encourage them to leave their comfort zones and shoot
for the stars. Eventually, they will be adults who have to function
in the great big world. Be encouraged and remember, it takes a
special person to raise a child with specials needs and you are
pretty special! Until next time!
