Families with children who have disabilities experience added emotional and financial stresses in their lives. For this reason many parents have a hard time keeping a positive outlook. It is the role of the teacher to constantly keep pushing and remaining positive with the parent to help relieve the stresses that they are experiencing. When teaching a child with a disability it is important to have a community approach to your teaching style. You are going to be interacting with parents, other family members, case managers, and other teachers to help develop the plan that will lead to the success for the child.
When I lived in Utah and Idaho the society treated individuals with special needs so differently than I have ever seen before. Families considered their child with disabilities as the greatest blessing they could have. Because of this though, there were many more programs and resources available to families. I thought that it was so amazing to see not only families but the entire community embrace both children and their families and give them the support that is needed.
I agree completely. I think a teacher should be a positive influence in the family's life. There are many stress factors involved with having a child that requires special education. A teacher should be nice and supportive. Parents and other family members should feel comfortable talking to whomever is involved with caring for the child. A teacher should relieve stress instead of adding to the family's stress levels. I do think it is touching when a community can come together to support a child.
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