After viewing the Youtube video, Autistic Girl Expresses Profound Intelligence, I have a better understanding on the child’s perspective about their own disabilities. This was a very insightful video on the parent and child perspective on disabilities which as teachers we may not recognize. This video is about an eleven year old autistic girl, Carly, who was nonverbal until age 11. As a child, Carly could not communicate verbally even with hours of therapy a week. She would bang her head on the ground or hit herself. Her father explained, he would never give up and he would do all he could. According to Kids Together, Inc., “A child who happens to have a disability is not "broken," they are first and foremost a child, who needs to belong, be cherished, embraced and welcomed into our communities.” This quote reminds me of Carly’s dad who refused to listen to friends about sending her to a group home but continued to spend money on the resources available to help Carly. The video mentioned Carly’s break through at age 11 through the use of computer technology. Although Carly could not communicate verbally, she was able to type her feelings without being taught the words. Carly was able to communicate her thoughts and feelings. She explained, “If I don’t bang my head, I feel like I’ll explode.” Carly also stated, “I feel locked in a body I have no control over.” Without the use of computer technology, word prediction software, and text-to-speech software Carly would remain not able to communicate with others. Communication is a basic need and computer technology makes it a possibility for Carly and other individuals with disabilities. As a teacher, I would implement any software or device available that would allow a “break through” for my students. Teachers and parents need to work together with the individual with disabilities to ensure milestones are accomplished.
Reference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F4XMlhCfp3Q
A Parent's Perspective of the needs for a child with a
disability. (n.d.). Retrieved October 22, 2015.
I love the quote you found! I think it's remarkable that Carly was able to use the computer to communicate her thoughts and feelings. It's amazing how powerful technology can be to help nonverbal individuals become verbal! That's why it's so important for educators to continuously try to find something that works because our students need to know that we care about them and want them to succeed.
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