I remember my first encounter of meeting a child with a disability. My family and I had relocated from another state and I began fifth grade in at new school. My exposure to people with disabilities prior to moving was non-existent.
Within the first couple months of school, my teacher notified the class that we would have another student joining us periodically. One day, we were going to watch a film in class and our teacher asked if there was anyone who would like to volunteer to meet with the other student at her classroom and bring her back to our class. Happy to help, I volunteered. When I arrived at the other student's classroom, I was intrigued by the individual in front of me. She used a wheelchair and needed my assistance to help get her to the other classroom. As we began our trek down the hall, she shared with me that she had cerebral palsy and some other fun facts about her. When we arrived to begin watching the film, several of the other students appeared to be caught off guard by her. I thought she was great, smart and fun to be around. I felt the other students just needed a few moments to get to know her and learn about my new friend. Needless to say, each time our teacher mentioned she would be joining us; I was the first to volunteer to help bring her back to our classroom.
I was fortunate enough to learn about people with disabilities at a relatively young age. Rather than focusing on my friend's disability, I enjoyed the individual she was and the stories she shared. I saw her abilities and what she brought to the class as another student.
What was your first encounter with a person with a disability? Did you have a similar experience? Did you have the opportunity to get to know the person first?
** To obtain some tips on how to interact with people with disabilities, visit our web site at www.wa.easterseals.com and click on "Resources". **
Charissa Manglona
VP of Human Resources
Easter Seals Washington
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