For many with disabilities, going back to school not only means back to hitting the books, but it also means going back to therapy.
I was one of the kids who were doing both.
Occupational, physical, and speech therapy was the name of my game for twelve years of school and a little before. I did this all while I was taking my academics to prepare for this thing called life. I did all of this so that I could be not only productive but successful.
Talk about a fork stabbing, stair stepping, repeating practicing girl; this was me because I was determined to be independent. I complained yes! I would tell my mom and those siblings, Super Coopers, that I was sick of taking therapy and how hard it was. Of course, my family would show me empathy, but never sympathy. Although they knew therapy was difficult for me, they also knew it was in my best interest for growth.
Now, not to get too technical for you on how this whole school/therapy works, here’s my best explanation.
When a child is school age and has been screened and diagnosed with having a disability, they are then put on an Individual Education Plan (IEP). An IEP consists of a lot of information about a student including how he or she is doing in every class. It can also include special services that are being offered to help with a student’s daily living. That is when therapy is intertwined with the academics.
I used to think taking therapy sucked! My oldest brother Dewayne had to take speech and language therapy due to his hearing loss, but in my opinion, his therapy did not hold a candle to mine.
The only two things I liked when I was taking therapy at school was missing fifteen minutes of a class or being rewarded for my progress with stickers or candy. I’m just keeping it real.
Now, that I’m older and wiser, I know taking therapies helped me tremendously. The fact that I can dress myself, pick up a chicken nugget, drink through a straw, restroom myself, and yes, even drive, is all due to taking therapies while I was in school.
Another biggie that came from me taking therapy is my ability to articulate when speaking. Without speech therapy I would not be Emcee Shari or be able to order my beloved deluxe pizza over the phone!
By no means is taking therapies easy but they are so necessary.
Just a tip to the youngsters, who like me, must take therapy during school hours. It may be hard, and you may even be frustrated but keep going. You’ll be much more independent in the long run.
To all parents of children who are taking therapy, throw an extra snack in your children’s book bag or give them a special reward for doing good at therapy. It will help motivate him or her. Trust me, I know.
I am very familiar with an IEP as I was on one too. In addition, I was seeing an OT to help me with my fine motor skills, which include things such as hand-eye coordination.
Matthew,
Thanks for sharing your personal story!
Thank you for sharing this sensitive topic. So many children lack the experience of having someone who motivated them like your family. Parental support is very important. I am the grandmother to a ten year old. I do everything I can to support my daughter and encourage my grandchild. I want them both to have a happy and healthy life!
I truly enjoy reading your blogs. Thank you and keep up the great work!
Sharon,
Thanks for reading and commenting. I really appreciate your support!
Oh yes! I do remember the days of going back to school and back to therapy! I attended a special education school and therapy was part of my days. I agree it was hard work, but I look back on those therapy years like you do and realize all that work led to my being as able as I am today. Over the years since school, I have had physical therapy when difficulties have come up. You and I never outgrow our need for therapy. Lucky us!
Mary Ellen,
Thanks for sharing your personal story on this topic. And yes, lucky us! Lol
Thank you for sharing. Prior to Goodwill I was the Special Education Coordinator for a HS that focused on students with disabilities of many kinds. It was so wonderful to see the progress from year to year.
Dawn,
Thanks for sharing! I’m sure you were a great educator!
Another great idea left in the hands of those who try and do as little as possible for these kids. I know because my nephew attends school and is in an IEP program. The Cleveland public school system has been late or failed to pick him up at all, numerous times(35). When I spoke to the school principal and his IEP counselor they both assured me that the problem would be corrected. Here we are over a year later and we are still encountering these issues, I doubt they have any real desire to make the corrections needed to give him an example of stability and or promptness. Instead, they do their absolute best to do as little as possible for their student. You go ahead and pat yourself on the back and feel good about yourself when your looking in the mirror. But the fact of this matter is that the people involved in these IEP programs could care less about these kids.
Robert,
Thanks for your comment. My hopes is that your nephew’s school get things figured out so he can receive the therapy he need to continue his growth.