Welcome to my blog! I am a sixth year special education teacher, wife, daughter, friend, lover of Jesus, and big sister. I have a moderate to severe education specialist credential, my Masters of Arts in Special Education, an added authorization in Early Childhood Special Education. I taught an intermediate mod/severe special education class for the three years before venturing into the world of Early Childhood Special Education.
I often tell people that the "disability community" is my reality. What some people have to learn to understand and accept is what I have known my whole life. I feel like I have been in the "field" for over 23 years. How is that possible when you are so young?! When
I was almost three years old my brother, Ryan, was born. Shortly after his
arrival, my parents received the news that Ryan has Down Syndrome. While my
parents, grandparents, and the other adults around me spent time in shock,
trying to figure out what having a child with a disability in the family would
be like, I was simply super excited that my baby brother had finally arrived.
In my two-year-old eyes my brother was perfect in every way possible. He was
just the right size to hold and kiss and play house with. At that time, I had no idea that he was any
different from any of the other babies that were born in the hospital that day, but I quickly caught on. By the time I was four, I was able to give anyone around me a brief
informational description of what Down Syndrome is. I would explain to my
friends that my brother is just like the rest of us only he learns things
slower than most kids his age. My parents started attending a support group for
parents and siblings of children with Down Syndrome right after my brother was
born. Being around individuals, especially children, with disabilities and their families was something that was and, obviously, still is normal part of my life. As my brother got
older he started participating in more activities for individuals with
disabilities. He played basketball, soccer, and t-ball. He rode horses and
learned how to swim. During all of those activities, there I was, being the
supportive older sister, helping him when he needed help, and cheering him on. Our relationship did not just go one way. He was also there cheering me on. He was always my biggest fan at my clarinet
concerts, softball games, and swim meets. My brother is not a Down
Syndrome kid. He is Ryan, a young adult who loves playing sports, eating good food, and singing songs. He has taught me about loving others unconditionally.
The more I work with children and adults with disabilities, the more I am assured that I want to dedicate the rest of my life to educating and caring for them. I understand the impact that a caring and knowledgeable teacher can have on the entire family. I made this blog to share my ramblings, realizations, and ideas about teaching students with moderate to severe disabilities. I'm excited to share my delightful adventures with all of you!
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