Just because a child is born with a disability, it doesn’t mean that he won’t lead a full and productive life. Students with disabilities should focus on strengths. If a child has a physical condition, he may not be able to be the football star, but he may be the best member of the debate team. Often times, these kids are looked at as special education cases, when they are perfectly capable of learning the same as other kids.
Certainly, a child with a disability may require a teacher’s aide who can assist them throughout the day, but that’s not a reflection on learning capability. The best example of success for a disabled person is Stephen Hawking. He is one of the most brilliant scientists living today. Although he is severely disabled, his intelligence is far beyond most people’s. There are even disabled student athletes who are on their varsity teams. Think of the one armed baseball player who could catch a ball, toss it up, remove his glove, and then throw the ball as fast as a two armed player. His disability makes him exceptional.
For children who do need special education due to learning disabilities, these issues do not mean the child won’t be successful. Many prominent people in our society are dyslexic. Although learning was hard for them, they are extremely successful because they could overcome it. Autistic people can function very well in society with the proper therapy and special education. Instead of seeing certain symptoms as a downfall, many are able to use it to excel. Teachers should encourage all children with disabilities, and help them to recognize their strengths. With proper encouragement, the child will believe he is as likely to be successful as anyone. Students should treat the disabled child the same as their other friends. The disability does not mean these kids can’t socialize the same as others. They have much love and companionship to offer to anyone willing to embrace their differences.