October is Disability History and Awareness Month, which aim 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.
Dale Alexander has been a Special Education teacher at Ferris High School for 16 years.
What do you love most about working with students in Special Education?
I get to work with students that love unconditionally and are true to how they express their feelings. I would like to believe that I have taught my students skills that will make each one of their lives better. I know for a fact that they have taught me things and made me a better man.
What are the biggest challenges have you experienced in your position, and how do you and your team overcome them?
Finding and implementing the unique strategies that will help each individual student succeed is a constant challenge for our team. Working in the Comprehensive Intervention Program (CIP) generally means that the students are non-verbal, have physical limitations that require adult assistance for mobility and often have life threatening health issues. We work closely with our parents, colleagues, physical therapists, speech and language pathologists, occupational therapists, nurses, psychologists and administrators to try to ensure that we are providing services that have the greatest potential to increase the quality of life for our students.
The most challenging situation for us is when a student passes away. It leaves holes in us that are only filled by the brightness of the light that shines in the memories that they left on our hearts.
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?
That they are smart, capable human beings. They just come to us in the form of angels. We are fortunate to have them alongside us as we walk this path of life.