After meeting her, I had to think for a minute and imagine being in her shoes. A powerful young lady, who has managed to get through her school years, and earn a high school degree. Despite her physical challenge, and severe deformities, she managed to be part of the real world.
Aisha is a story of courage, hope, and love. Through courage, she faced the world on a wheelchair that she controls using 2 of her toes. Through hope, she earned her high school degree aiming to continue her higher education. Through love, she surrounded herself with people who believed in her, and tried every possible way to push her forward and provide her with a life of a normal human being.
The sad chapter of Aisha's story begins after high school. She graduated from high school, and her battle started in order to get admitted at the Higher Colleges of Technology, which is supposedly under the government of the UAE. Aisha was rejected once, twice.... Reasons were: no available bus, no available assisstive equipment ........
A dream of a local U.A.E. citizen has been broken into pieces because of a bus and equipment. Yes, here in the city of gold. Yes, here in the city that donates billions to help people in other countries. Yes, here in the city where everything is possible. In Dubai. She was deprived of her right to a high quality education because it just didn't matter. It was her time to wake up.
I will not comment on Aisha's story, because I do believe that there are more chapters to come. Chapters of struggle and endless battles. Chapters of achievements and dreams coming true. Chapters that reflect happiness and victory. I do see it coming because of courage, hope, and love that she still hangs on to.
Monday, January 14, 2008
misleading thoughts
el7imdilla. Today I finished MEETING (2) which was with R's parents. Or in other words, R's mother and stepfather.
I did notice an improvement in the way I presented the IEP as I explained in details every goal, how am I planning to achieve each goal, and how can family support at home contribute to the development of each skill I've chosen for R. Her parents were very interested in helping out with whatever they can. Although this point could be very misleading, since its not their first time to show such interest. However, they did discover a lot of things about their daughter which wasn't really surprising to me. I also noticed that her mother is not as close to R. She's always busy and doesn't know much about her behavior or level. It occured to me that her stepfather is her 'primary caregiver', with all respect to the mommy. I think its really nice of him to put such great effort in order to take care of R and understand her. He also believes in her.
We concluded this meeting with insisting on attendance, cooperation, and successful communication between home & school.
What I loved the most about the meeting was the 'introducing PECS' part. I had a long word document infront of my eyes with long explanations about PECS, since I was pretty sure that I did not understand PECS completely. I was impressed. Its like I had the book saved somewhere in my memory. Its like I was reading from the book, translating it into Arabic immediately, and actually dicussing it with those who were in the meeting. Loved it! BUT...I really...really...really...hated the way the OT jumped into the whole discussion, making it sound like she is part of the PECS 'team'. Ofcourse I never want to be that kind of person: selfish, creates fake achievements, admire fame. But its like I had a plan in mind about how I'm supposed to introduce PECS to R's parents. I mean ofcourse there should be some kind of cooperative meetings amongst team members. But she was explaining the use of PECS in a different way because she hasn't even read the PECS book nor she discussed it with me first. Which messed up some parts of the plan.
Anyways, I'm so proud of myself. I was much stronger today, and I really hope Insha'Allah that I keep on improving in the coming meetingS.
I did notice an improvement in the way I presented the IEP as I explained in details every goal, how am I planning to achieve each goal, and how can family support at home contribute to the development of each skill I've chosen for R. Her parents were very interested in helping out with whatever they can. Although this point could be very misleading, since its not their first time to show such interest. However, they did discover a lot of things about their daughter which wasn't really surprising to me. I also noticed that her mother is not as close to R. She's always busy and doesn't know much about her behavior or level. It occured to me that her stepfather is her 'primary caregiver', with all respect to the mommy. I think its really nice of him to put such great effort in order to take care of R and understand her. He also believes in her.
We concluded this meeting with insisting on attendance, cooperation, and successful communication between home & school.
What I loved the most about the meeting was the 'introducing PECS' part. I had a long word document infront of my eyes with long explanations about PECS, since I was pretty sure that I did not understand PECS completely. I was impressed. Its like I had the book saved somewhere in my memory. Its like I was reading from the book, translating it into Arabic immediately, and actually dicussing it with those who were in the meeting. Loved it! BUT...I really...really...really...hated the way the OT jumped into the whole discussion, making it sound like she is part of the PECS 'team'. Ofcourse I never want to be that kind of person: selfish, creates fake achievements, admire fame. But its like I had a plan in mind about how I'm supposed to introduce PECS to R's parents. I mean ofcourse there should be some kind of cooperative meetings amongst team members. But she was explaining the use of PECS in a different way because she hasn't even read the PECS book nor she discussed it with me first. Which messed up some parts of the plan.
Anyways, I'm so proud of myself. I was much stronger today, and I really hope Insha'Allah that I keep on improving in the coming meetingS.
expectations
Today was my first IEP meeting with H's parents and the rest of the team members--principle, social advisor, psychologist, occupational therapist, physiotherapist, and speech therapist.
I was really nervous and shaking the whole time. I kept on reminding myself that I am 'the' teacher, I must speak up, I should run the meeting and give my opinion in every single thing. And I did! I did explain my IEP goals and why I have chosen each. Although I should admit that it was kinda brief, but its probably because of being nervous. I explained to them the different strategies I'm using with H and they were really interested in what I had to say. I was glad!
Later on, it was the therapists turn. They stated facts regarding H's condition, and a proper diagnosis of her case--cerebral palsy. It was really hard to see their face expressions as the therapists went on and on talking about why H will never walk, why is she never going to improve dramatically, why is it important to set expectations. H's parents seemed lost, in shock, dissapointed. Or maybe they have known all these facts. It was just harder to hear it coming from someone else.
After we all talked, it was the parents turn. They saw that H has changed from all aspects. She is more social. She uses her hands more often. She shows initiation. She's always smiling. And she loves school, especially her teacher! They thanked me and said really nice Dou'aa. Hearing that coming from them touched my heart and I felt like crying from happiness. I know H is going to get better, even if it was through tiny little steps. I know because I can feel her, even if she can not talk or move. I can directly understand her through looking at her cute little eyes.
This is Special Education. Maybe I will never be appreciated by the principle. Maybe I will hate being a teacher at some point. Maybe I will go through times when I will be crying all alone, feeling lost. But such moments always make a difference. It makes the whole experience worth living. It makes teaching so rewarding, that you can't even describe it through words. It gives you this ticklish feeling that comes directly from your heart and spreads throughout your body. It makes you feel alive.
I was really nervous and shaking the whole time. I kept on reminding myself that I am 'the' teacher, I must speak up, I should run the meeting and give my opinion in every single thing. And I did! I did explain my IEP goals and why I have chosen each. Although I should admit that it was kinda brief, but its probably because of being nervous. I explained to them the different strategies I'm using with H and they were really interested in what I had to say. I was glad!
Later on, it was the therapists turn. They stated facts regarding H's condition, and a proper diagnosis of her case--cerebral palsy. It was really hard to see their face expressions as the therapists went on and on talking about why H will never walk, why is she never going to improve dramatically, why is it important to set expectations. H's parents seemed lost, in shock, dissapointed. Or maybe they have known all these facts. It was just harder to hear it coming from someone else.
After we all talked, it was the parents turn. They saw that H has changed from all aspects. She is more social. She uses her hands more often. She shows initiation. She's always smiling. And she loves school, especially her teacher! They thanked me and said really nice Dou'aa. Hearing that coming from them touched my heart and I felt like crying from happiness. I know H is going to get better, even if it was through tiny little steps. I know because I can feel her, even if she can not talk or move. I can directly understand her through looking at her cute little eyes.
This is Special Education. Maybe I will never be appreciated by the principle. Maybe I will hate being a teacher at some point. Maybe I will go through times when I will be crying all alone, feeling lost. But such moments always make a difference. It makes the whole experience worth living. It makes teaching so rewarding, that you can't even describe it through words. It gives you this ticklish feeling that comes directly from your heart and spreads throughout your body. It makes you feel alive.
my special world
I've been blogging since a year or so. I've shared my feelings, moments of despair, happiness, dreams, and goals. And it did work out well for me. Now, I have decided to divide my life and expose my special world. My world where everything is possible. Where every individual must be part of it and thank Allah for all the ni3am He gave us. Where all the sadness surrounding you fades away with a smile coming from one of them.
This special world is simply a world viewed from the eyes of a teacher. And I, the teacher, see the world through the eyes of my 4 most adorable students. G, H, R, and A. G who has been diagnosed with CHARGE syndrome. H, R, & A have been diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy with varrying degrees. But in any case, I am against labeling.
The reason why I created this blog is first to help, in a way, to raise awareness about children with special needs, and maybe change some people's wrong ideas that stand against them. Another reason is to refer back to my blog in order to aid in the assessment process in relation to their abilities, how they've grown throughout the semester, and maybe record the changes that occur or will occur in the upcoming days. And thirdly, to give an insight of what its like to be in a special needs center in DUBAI, and explore a world of possibilities and magic! This is how I see it. A place where the blind, deaf, physically challenged, and intellectualy challenged come together to form one community that respects differences in others.
Welcome to my very special world!
This special world is simply a world viewed from the eyes of a teacher. And I, the teacher, see the world through the eyes of my 4 most adorable students. G, H, R, and A. G who has been diagnosed with CHARGE syndrome. H, R, & A have been diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy with varrying degrees. But in any case, I am against labeling.
The reason why I created this blog is first to help, in a way, to raise awareness about children with special needs, and maybe change some people's wrong ideas that stand against them. Another reason is to refer back to my blog in order to aid in the assessment process in relation to their abilities, how they've grown throughout the semester, and maybe record the changes that occur or will occur in the upcoming days. And thirdly, to give an insight of what its like to be in a special needs center in DUBAI, and explore a world of possibilities and magic! This is how I see it. A place where the blind, deaf, physically challenged, and intellectualy challenged come together to form one community that respects differences in others.
Welcome to my very special world!
Saturday, January 5, 2008
Term (2)
Today, 6th of January 2008, is supposed to be the beginning of the second term at my skool. I'm kinda having the 'butterflies' feeling but in a different way. One thing I really hate about myself is FEAR OF FAILURE. I mean even if I fail, it IS still a learning experience ..isn't it? I guess its normal to feel like a lousy teacher, I hope it is. But above all, I think my greatest success of my first academic year will be learning how to love my students from all my heart. And I'm still hoping for more "successes" !! So for this semester, I have new goals. I'll try to make it brief, simple, and realistic!!
First, achieve at least 50% of the IEP goals that I set for my students.
Second, focus on teaching, teaching, teaching, and ONLY teaching.
Third, avoid distractions.
Fourth, improve the physical environment of my classroom.
Fifth, use PECS effectively.
and thats it!!
Anyways, I really miss my four children and CAN'T WAIT to give them the huge-est biggest hug of the year.
First, achieve at least 50% of the IEP goals that I set for my students.
Second, focus on teaching, teaching, teaching, and ONLY teaching.
Third, avoid distractions.
Fourth, improve the physical environment of my classroom.
Fifth, use PECS effectively.
and thats it!!
Anyways, I really miss my four children and CAN'T WAIT to give them the huge-est biggest hug of the year.
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