SPECIAL EDUCATION MUSICAL SHOW 2011

The 2nd Special Education Musical Show in my child’s school has been very successful yesterday. The said musical show entitled "Bond of the Bands", was a sing and dance musical play created for elementary and high school students with special needs. The show based on the music of 70’s, 80’s, 90’s and 2000's. The created special education musical show was very great. I know it contributed positively to physical, emotional and mental aspects of the students. It also created an atmosphere where they can express themselves through music rather than behavior.  

The presentation of the students has been so fantastic. Apparently, that was the best way for them to show their talents. I guess, proving their abilities might be an incredible challenge for them. I believe that it could help develop their self-confidence and build their self-esteem. On my own perspective... singing, dancing and even playing musical instrument/s gives them a better sense of where their bodies are in space, creating muscle memory, motor planning and good anticipation of what step/s or movement/s comes next.

We, who have a big heart for students with special needs are better listeners when don’t hear a spoken word. For students like them, being heard in song or seeing in dance can give a children or young adolescents a better chance to express what they might not have had time to say in any other way. But what disgusting is, there was a special education teacher who didn’t understand the capability of these students. She doesn’t even know that these individuals could feel if they are discriminated or accepted. As special education teacher, he/she must know how to share his/her sincere feelings or love that can release these 'special individuals' briefly from their own sense of isolation, loneliness and feeling of discrimination.

Before the event, there were issues and misunderstandings regarding the musical play. But for the sake of the students, some concerned special education advocates insisted that the 'show must go on’. On this case, definitely, a positive teamwork and cooperation must be needed among the special education teachers, shadow teachers, teacher aids, parents and the students themselves. During the rehearsals, others were cooperative but others weren’t. But what is good, the musical play was successfully done with the efforts of all the people concerned about this event. 

I do hope that an exciting new relationship among special education teachers, educational coaches and parents may build soon.  

As special education advocates, we must not forget that friendship and good relationship may inspire students with disabilities.

SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER DISCRIMINATES MY CHILD

What is it like being a special education teacher? Being a special education teacher is the hardest, but most rewarding job in the whole universe. But not all are really good and can be rewarded because there are special education teachers who show negative behavior and it is really awful. Perhaps in educational capability, they are certified but not qualified in handling students with special needs. 

I know a certain special education teacher with bad attitude, not only with his students but with her fellow teachers, too. The way she treats her students is totally unfair and unequal. I don’t know if she’s practicing favoritism. Or maybe it is because the students could not follow her instructions. But doesn’t she know that it is unlawful for a special education teacher to discriminate against students with special needs? This can also be called harassment. 

Teacher Perfectionist, you must know that  students with disabilities can’t cope up easily with the tasks you give to them. They might not be able to comply to what you would like them to do. Have you forgotten that they are not regular individuals? Not unless, you're out of your mind. So, do not raise your voice at them for they will be more unable to concentrate on what they are doing particularly on their rehearsals for the Sped Musical show. 

And PLEASE, do not compare my child with other students. This sort of thinking or action promotes discrimination against my child. You must understand that he doesn’t have a choice about his disability but you definitely have a choice how you accept him. Bear this in your narrow mind, all children develop differently and this is absolutely true for special needs individuals. Just focus on what my child can do and it may help lessen your stress. Believe me, this is 100% guaranteed! Baka sakaling mabago pa po yan ‘napakaganda ninyong pag-uugali. 

You are not supposed to teach and handle students with disabilities because you don’t understand what special education is all about.  

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LEARNING STYLES FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

It is sad to know that there are still many children struggled in school due to a lack of explanation for their varied learning styles. As special education teachers, they must seek to empower children with special needs by providing modified and effective teaching styles. Learning should be engaging and fun for all students in order for them not to get bored.

DO NOT LABEL A CHILD WITH DISABILITY

You might be able to spot a few kids with special needs, but you probably don't notice all of them. A kid could have a problem that isn't noticeable unless you know the person well. So please do not label a child with disability... Labels degrade. Labels evoke negative pictures in our heads. Let them grow up and gain their own perspective of their own world.

DETERMINED LADY DESPITE HER DISABILITY

Too often disabled individuals are not given the opportunity to become helpful or needed, or to learn. But this woman living with Cerebral Palsy who can’t able to speak or use her hands, and was uneducated just proved that despite her physical condition she still holds a determination and positive outlook in life... that being physically limited does not mean that she cannot fulfill her ambitions and achieve her personal goals. She taught herself to write using her left foot. She’s so wonderful.

BULLYING CHILDREN with DISABILITIES

Bullying has been proven by numerous studies to be a serious problem. Harassment of children with disabilities has increased nationally or globally. These children may not always be able to identify when they have been bullied, especially when the bullying is more subtle. The effects of bullying children with disabilities can be extremely distressing but it’s difficult for them to speak up or seek help.

I'LL BE THERE FOREVER

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I decided to study special education not just because I enjoy working with individuals with developmental disabilities but to penetrate my very own child's world, so that i would KNOW and UNDERSTAND what he needs and wants... How I wish to take him out of his own realm and show the beauty of the real world... But if I could not able to do so, I'll just stay and live with him in his wonderful world.

PLEASE, TREAT ME NICE!

If a child with Autism could just speak, he might tell you this: "I do not actually suffer from Autism, but I do suffer from the way you treat me. Please treat me like a human being... with kindness, love and compassion".




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TEACHER, PLEASE DON'T SAY BAD WORDS!

No special education teacher should EVER use a BAD WORD to her students with special needs... If the teacher has developed this bad habit especially when she gets mad at her students, I guess, she better quit her job immediately after using such an offensive word because school is not the right workplace for her.

 

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DON'T MAKE FUN OF PEOPLE with SPECIAL NEEDS

Children and people with special needs are often treated badly by the people they met and worst, by their relatives. They must understand the condition what these children/people are going through. Realize that this condition is not their choice. So don't make fun of them. Treat them in a good manner and give as much respect and care to them as you would give to anyone else.

 

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GOD GIVES US STRENGTH

Like most parents of children with special needs, I remember the day that our child was diagnosed with a certain type of disability. It seemed as though everything crumbled. I was overwhelmed by the heartache, grief, questioning why and how, and questioning the future. Though my husband and I both felt weak and weighed down by all the implications of a diagnosis of autism, we knew that if we were to regain our strength to face the days ahead, it would have to come from the Lord. And God came through. Little by little, we felt ourselves gaining more strength not only to face our situation. We found that God was indeed our refuge and our strength and that He truly was an ever-present help in our darkest days of trouble.

God gave us the strength so that we don’t lose heart in facing the challenges that lie before us... He gave us enough strength to overcome all weariness in our life. We are so blessed to have our child in our life and to think that even a single moment, God never leave us.

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Reading Faces / Interpreting Emotions

  

 

This skill is important either at home or in school. Many misunderstandings arise from students misinterpreting the emotions of others. Sometimes students can be confused by what a particular look means. They may easily mistake a look of disappointment and think someone is angry, or they may mistake a nervous expression for a funny one.

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MY CHILD’s BEHAVIORAL REGRESSION

People don’t understand what special children can actually be particularly those who have Asperger’s Syndrome or commonly called Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Coping with a child who has an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can be very difficult especially when they display challenging behavior such as aggressive behavior and no speech at all. But individuals with Asperger’s disorders are often very intelligent and I can proudly say that my son is one of them.

Since kindergarten up to 1^st year high school, my son has been perfect in school either in academics and social skills. He could be able to perform on the stage play or school programs with his regular classmates. He has a very sharp memory... He could even express his feelings, thoughts and ideas... But everything has been changed... 

Apparently, he is literally unable to think for himself. Most of the time, I’m trying to be patient and understand his condition. But as a mother, it seems that someone is stabbing my heart every time I see my child’s behavior. Although he does not show aggressive behavior/s but the behaviors that I can see on him now was not manifested before such as flapping and shaking his hands, too slow when walking and eating, doesn’t want to express his feelings and thoughts, doesn’t read his books anymore and doesn’t even draw on his drawing notebook. And most of all, he doesn’t make a note for me when he noticed that I am angry, sad or quiet. I miss those things so much. 

I keep on talking to him to get back to what he is before... But he can’t regain the skills that were lost. He is also becoming less aware of his surroundings. I’m so tired of thinking and doing some strategies or behavior modifications such as reinforcement, etc. I'm also tryin' so hard to help him “do” for HIMSELF, but it just doesn’t seem to take anymore.  I don’t know if he could just have strong behavior adaptation or he goes through these periods of significant behavioral regression. The term regression refers to a loss of previously acquired skills, such as language, motor, or life skills.

My son will be closely monitored for any changes or continued regression and we won’t hesitate to call for help if necessary. But how can we do that if we could not have enough money to support his medical needs? I feel so pity on him... Nobody would like to help us even our relatives and immediate family members. Perhaps, they don’t really understand my child’s condition or they just don’t really care about him. This is the reason why I continuously struggling and trying to achieve my goal in life so that I can be able to give all my child's needs particularly comprehensive intervention and therapies for him; and in order for him to enroll in a social group where he can be able to enhance or regain his social skills. 

If I could just turn the hands of the clock so fast... But I believe that there is a right time for everything... I know, God has a good and perfect plan for us especially for my child.

Yam... bear in mind that Daddy & Mommy will always be here for you because we love you much... As your mother, nobody can hurt you either physically or emotionally... I will fight for you till the end. 

"I am the wind beneath your wings... You and me against the world"... (two BEAUTIFUL songs that I dedicate to you, son).