ACCEPTANCE

We really do forget how cruel school can be.  I have noticed that for the most part students are really good about helping and supporting those with severe cognitive disabilities.  Though there are some who are shockingly cruel to those who are clearly cognitively challenged, I have actually seen many who are willing to help and express understanding with those who have cognitive disabilities.  On the other side of the spectrum, there seems to be less compassion and acceptance for those who have mild disabilities.  It seems as though students within the general education realm often perceive these students as “weird” or “nerdy,” thus feel more justified to laugh or make fun of them. 

 I have a student within the alternative behavior program that I work in.  He is socially awkward because he has a mild diagnosis of Aspergers; however, academically, he is relatively advanced.  He is just beginning to mainstream into regular education classes; today was our second day in P.E.  There is also another student, with severe cognitive disabilities, who regularly mainstreams into this same P.E. class.  I observe most of the kids patting this student on the back or shouting out encouraging messages.  Though I find this very admirable, the student in my alternative behavior class has not exactly received this same treatment.  While playing basketball, ‘my student’ had a difficult time dribbling and making a goal.  I immediately noticed many of the “cool” kids laughing and mocking him behind his back.  In addition, when he is trying to be friendly and make a joke, it usually results in an awkward manner.  Students recognize this and instantly laugh at his randomness.  It saddens me because I have seen this child accomplish so much and come such a long way with not only his behavior episodes, but also his social skills. Will he ever be accepted as just “one of the guys?”  or will he constantly be teased for being different?