When I first saw this video on Facebook, I cried. Not just because Zach Anner, the main speaker, was bold enough to share his story but because his words spoke volumes. I have no idea what each parent goes through in raising a child with disabilities, but I do know that we all want to be loved and eventually become independent.
One of the points Zach made that struck a chord with me was, "Let your kids' passions lead rather than the disability." My heart squeezed a little when he said that. Looking back, I remember one student I helped in math class (I was in 8th grade and he was in 4th). I could tell right off the bat that he thought he wouldn't be able to do the math worksheet the teacher wanted him to complete. I also knew that he had a learning disability. He wasn't stupid, of which I reminded him repeatedly. However, math was a a rather large hurdle (it was for me too and still is!).
I remember letting him take his time and just guiding him through the worksheet. I also told him, "You can do this." It's important to let the student take their time. You can't rush education. That is one of the things that I HATED about school. I hated feeling like because I couldn't understand a concept in two days, then I would never get it. I'm sure you know that, especially in math class, what you learn on Monday will later become useful for the new concept on Friday. As educators, we have to realize that some kids need more time or more one-on-one attention for them to truly understand.
I refused to look at this little 4th grader as someone who couldn't learn. Instead, I looked at him as a person who needed time and CAN do this. No one is too stupid to learn. Whatever his passion winds up being, I pray that whomever is around him now will be able to guide him, have patience and not stifle him.
Be more like Zach.