We Don't Know

In the video "Beyond F.A.T. City", the statement that was the most striking to me was that we don't know what it feels like to live with a learning disability. This is an obvious statement; but, many times we forget about this detail because we do not have to face a learning disability everyday. Assuming that we know what a student feels like is one of the worst mistakes we can make as educators. What we can do is be compassionate towards the student and show that we want them to succeed despite their learning disability.

Another statement that was enlightening today was - fair doesn't mean the same... fair depends on the needs of each person. I have always thought that fair does mean that everyone gets the same amount of time and energy. This belief is now shifting to the fact that fairness depends on the needs of each student. Fairness should not be judged relative to the needs of someone else.

These two statements are crucial when it comes to relating two students with disabilities. Although we can attempt to walk in another person's shoes, it is impossible to understand the frustration, anxiety, and tension that individuals with a disability live with. As educators, we can let these students know that they have support and don't have to walk these difficult roads alone.