My child’s school has an inclusive programme for children with special needs including those who are physically handicapped and those with learning disabilities. This is a rare occurrence in Jamaica, where children with special needs are usually ignored and placed in special institutions. Through my interaction with this school over the years, I have learnt to be more accepting and tolerant of persons with disabilities. Since my involvement with this school, I find that I communicate differently with individuals with varying abilities. Before I did not notice them and if I did I was not really interested in learning about their lives and what they have to endure.
Now I am more receptive to the
needs of individuals with special needs.
I communicate differently by
attentively listening to them and not just “brushing” them off. I am very careful in ensuring that my
non-verbal cues do not convey disinterest, for example, I do not roll my eyes,
cross my hands, tap my fingers impatiently or look elsewhere. I try to maintain eye contact and nod my
head to show agreement with what they may be saying.
Three strategies that I could
utilise to help me communicate more effectively with special needs’ individuals
are:
- Establish and maintain a relationship with the person and their immediate family. Therefore, I can openly and honestly discuss ways in which I can communicate effectively without showing disrespect or miscommunicating.
- Try not to assume that they are different. Though they may differ physically and/or
mentally, we are all still human beings and we still do share common
experiences. When I watch my child
interact with her school mates, I notice that they share
commonalities. For example, they
express emotion in similar ways, they appreciate the same games and sing the
same songs.
- Another strategy is being patient and learning to relate to others
and accept them as they are. This
involves avoiding negative judgements of others and persevering through my
own internal discomfort.
Hi Sheryl, I think that it is great that you realized that you were not taking interest in children with disabilities. Now you are more conscious of others and have decided to communicate with them, which is great. I think that the classes that we are taking now has definitely improved our outlook in life. I commend you for being honest about your prior experiences with children with disabilities.
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