October is Disability History and Awareness Month, which aims to increase awareness and understanding of the contributions that people with disabilities in our state, nation, and the world have made to our society. Recognizing disability history also increases respect and promotes acceptance and inclusion of people with disabilities in schools and in all part of society.
In observation of disability awareness, we asked several teachers to answer a few questions to share their perspective about working with students in Special Education. We will be sharing their responses throughout October. Watch this space!
Allison Griffin has been a Special Education teacher at Regal Elementary School for 19 years.
What do you love most about working with students in Special Education?
I love building relationships with my students and learning about their special interests and strengths. When a student with exceptional needs realizes that I am invested in getting to know them and want to be a part of their special world, they often will give me a look of recognition and adoration that is so special and empowering. Building these connections is the most vital part of the work I do!
What are the biggest challenges have you experienced in your position, and how do you and your team overcome them?
One of the biggest challenges our team is faced with is convincing our students they can do hard things and to never give up on themselves. It can take hundreds or sometimes thousands of times practicing a certain skill before they finally master it, and that can be frustrating for some students. Our team works hard to find a variety of ways to teach skills and to find the learning modalities that work best for each student.
As someone who works with and is an advocate for students with disabilities, what would you most like our community to know about your work and your students?
The most important thing I would like the community to know is that every child has potential, and we are all capable of helping children to unlock that potential. You don’t need a special degree to show an individual with exceptional needs that you care about them and value who they are as a person. Be willing to keep an open mind and be curious, not judgmental. I have taught many things to my students over the years, but I think in the end I have learned as much from them as they have learned from me.