Posts Tagged ‘special needs education’
Ok… So this is my final article in the Autism Awareness series and come next year I don’t want to be the one doing this. Well, yes I want to but I also would like to see more parents, advocates, teachers etc. coming onboard and sharing their insights and stories. You know that whole “together we’re stronger” line? I think the person who first said it was on to something.
I’m like a mixed bag when it comes to Autism Awareness Month. I think, like many other families, we want it to be every month. There’s still this pressing need to raise the collective consciousness past April and beyond. I believe we have made some progress though. Just think about it… The Daly Observer said yes to running this series of articles on probably what is the highest distribution day (Mondays). I was soooo happy because I knew what it meant to me and was hoping it would mean to so many other parents.
We all have a passion for something. Most of the readers of this series, their issue is autism or special needs in general and all the other needs (education, health) which form an intrinsic part of it. Those needs are urgent for us – We live with them every day. Our task now is how we, through advancement, can realistically meet those needs.
As many of you know, I’m a founding member of the special needs (I’m beginning to have issues with that term (special needs) but another day and time) education lobby group ABILITY and… We. Need. Your. Help. It’s in everyone’s best interest that our education system improves. So how do we do that I’m sure you’re asking? Who’s with me if you think what’s needed is a heavy dose in proportions we have yet to fully confront of reality, accountability both personal and governmental.
Many of us have been fighting for a long time – Fighting for opportunity, for change, for a better future for our kids; each sometimes meaning different things to all of us. If I were to be honest with you, sometimes I want to give up. I want to say; “I don’t care! It is what it is.” But then I always think back to the first parent I ever met who had a child (actually 2) on the autism spectrum. I waited an hour to meet her. She could have “blown me off” but instead she made time for me – To talk about my kid and my issues and most of all she listened to me. Every time I think about it, it brings me to tears. I don’t expect everyone to fully understand this; after all you may not have experienced it before. However it is one of the main reasons why I can’t, or better yet won’t give up.
Top of ABIITY’s wish list is carefully thought out, well-crafted solutions that have vision and scope – One that would come about through respectful discussion with a healthy dose of compromise. We don’t pretend to have all the answers but… We. Want. To. Help. We can’t sit by and…
Watch our kids continue to age-out of a school system that did nothing to help them cope in the adult-world they’re being thrust into.
We cannot to accept this continued indirect and in some cases blatant discrimination of our special needs students.
We cannot accept this continued archaic way of thinking (by some individuals) that, special need student equals a curriculum consisting of arts and crafts and recess.
We recognize that special education is not the only need served by the public school system; limited funding has to cover all children. On the other hand though, we cannot continue to accept that it’s ok for our education system to limit access to some students to accommodate whatever level of effort and resourcing it feels it is convenient to offer.
What happened to the core principle of universality of access; education for ALL? It breaks my heart when I talk to other moms with kids who are eighteen, twenty years old and the system they went through has (for the most part) remained the same today. How can anyone expect us to accept that! We will not be having this conversation ten years from now. Will we? We just cannot let that happen!
So what are you going to do about it?
My advice…
I encourage you to be…
More assertive, not angry
More committed, not blindly and
More open-minded, without compromising your values
At the end of the day; don’t idolize the box so much so that you’re unable to think outside of it.
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My name is Salma Crump and I want to thank everyone for their support, words of encouragement, for all the emails they’ve sent – A few parents sent me some very personal emails and said that I sharing my experiences have helped them. That made everything so worth it. To all the folks who sent me emails saying; I touched a nerve or caused them to think of things they’ve never even considered. Thank you. It’s important that you’re onboard for change to happen. Most of all… Thank you to The Daily Observer for making available your platform so my voice could be heard a littler louder. Truly living up to what you believe – “Let there be light”.
This is the final article of a five-part feature I’ve been writing each week which focused on my experiences raising a child with autism. If you have a story to share, any words of advice to add or questions to ask please do so by leaving a comment or sending an email to: salma.crump@gmail.com
Leave It to Kuba
Posted on: November 12, 2011
The search is over! The search is over! The search is over!
Finally we’ve found someone! If I have to spell it out then; “Don’t come back here!” Totally kidding 🙂
So you know we’ve been looking for a home-school teacher from Kuba and… “We’ve finally found her!” I’m so relieved you have no idea. Please pray for us that it works out. I have a good gut-feeling that it will though. She starts on Monday.
In case you’re wondering if this will stop the work I’ve been doing lobbying for more to be done with regards to Special Needs Education in Antigua & Barbuda. NEVER! It’s too much a part of me now. As you know I along with some other parents started the lobby group ABILITY and we’ve been doing a lot of work creating awareness of how important it is for the system to change – Actually to have a total revamp of the educational system as it relates to Special Needs. But we still need your support.
Onto to other stuff that happened…
Looks like I’ll have to put the Fire Dept. on speed dial.
So… Kuba is playing chef and I’m relaxing in the bed. SIDE NOTE: I’m now thinking that he may become a chef. Before I was thinking a rock star – Or maybe he’ll be a rock star chef (get it, LOL). You know; so he’ll tour with his band in the summer and tape his hit Food Network show in the fall. And he’ll get invited to all the Food Network galas – And he’ll invite his parents but Charlton won’t go because he can be antisocial sometimes (OMG he’s going to kill me for that comment – But remember, look in the freezer. I will be in a Ziploc bag disguised as pork). You never know, he may have gotten some ideas here.
Anyway back to Kuba (the rock star chef) getting invited to the Food Network galas and I’m going as his date because he doesn’t have a serious girlfriend and he wants to share this special moment with his mom because he doesn’t have a serious girlfriend and I’ve been so instrumental in him becoming a rock star chef with you know; my encouragement and support. And SHUT UP! I don’t care what you’re thinking right now. Just let me enjoy my side note:). But can you imagine! I get to rub shoulders with all those hottie-tottie male chefs. AWWWSOME!
Actually Kuba will sometimes ask to watch Food Network or Cooking Channel.
I was telling you something right?
So Fire Department… Speed Dial… Yes…
So I’m lying in my bed and he’s bringing me all these make-believe dishes. Then I don’t see him coming for a while and I don’t hear anything for a while. The I hear… Beeeep! In case you’re wondering what that was –It’s the microwave just finishing. Kuba and are home alone; so unless there’s a ghost who loves to cook…
I get up quickly just in time to see him on the counter top, plate in hand and trying to close the microwave door. I shout… “Kuba! What are you doing? ”SIDE NOTE: Why do we do that? I know what he’s doing or actually what he’s done. He knows it too.
He turns around, looks at me with a frown on his face and says…
Kuba: What the heck is going on here? (As if he was the one that caught me red-handed).
SIDE NOTE: You see, the thing is he knows that what he said is appropriate for someone to say in the situation – And based on how the phrase (What the heck is going on here?) was learned he’s anticipating it being said – He doesn’t fully understand that he shouldn’t be the one saying it – But instead of waiting for that to happen he says it. By the way he must have picked up that “heck” thing on TV because we never say that. But I’m about to use it now…
Me: You tell me what the heck is going on here! You know you’re not supposed to use the microwave. That’s dangerous! Ask somebody!
Kuba: Ask somebody!
SIDE NOTE: Remember me telling you about something called echolalia? It’s pretty much when he repeats something that was said to him instead of responding to the question. He’s gotten alot better with this but it’s still there.
Me: Arrrggghhh
Kuba: Mom, look… Fries, ketchup and ham-and-burger! (He doesn’t say hamburger. He says ham-and-burger)
Me: Kuba! (I now see what’s actually in the plate) This is dangerous. This could start a fire
Kuba: Oh no! A fire!
Ladies and gentlemen… I’m sure you would like to know about the state of affairs with the fries, ketchup and hamburger?
Well…
The fries… Yellow clothes pins
The ketchup… Red clothes pins
And… Wait for it…
The burger… Fake plastic bread from a kitchen set we bought him a few years ago. And the meat is wooden alphabet blocks. The paint off the blocks started melting so they’re now stuck together.
Kuba: Hey mom. Help me please (He’s now trying to get down off the counter-top and obviously don’t want to spill his fries, ketchup and ham-and-burger)
Now tell me…
I don’t stop to enjoy “what is” often enough. So on Wednesday this week Kuba and I wrapped up early and went to the beach (he’d been asking to go since the day before) to let it all hang out. No, we’re not naked! I hope you weren’t picturing Kuba… You perv! But if you’re picturing me… Thanks :)… I think.
Earlier in the day we did:
Art: Mostly coloring. For the past few weeks he’s insisted on drawing Garfield and the things Garfield eats. By the way if I haven’t mentioned this a hundred times before; Garfield is one of his favorite cartoon. During coloring he got up to go spell the things he was coloring on the fridge. I didn’t ask him to do this but it’s such a part of how we teach him that it becomes natural. If he draws Garfield he has to spell it and the lasagna, the hotdog, the donut, the pizza – By the way Garfield eats just about everything – He has to spell them.
There was some time spent doing some Math as well. Our focus for the past couple of weeks has been subtraction. I’m trying to be creative but I’m not sure how creative you can get with an abacus. He’s just beginning to get the concept of “zero”. The other day he figured out a problem to which the answer was zero and he said to me; “Mom… nothing, zero, squat, nada!” Guess who he picked that up from? It was unintentional but it stuck. I hope the tutor we get has a sense of humor.
We also made some Rice Krispies Treats. I’m sure you’re wondering what that has to do with learning. But he had to get the ingredients, read the recipe and says what goes in first, then next etc. Then I got a chance to ask him questions (we’re working on his comprehension skills). Also not sure what one has to do with the other but Kuba’s been asking about going trick or treating for about 2 weeks now and singing some strange Halloween song. Last year he went (not in our neighborhood) and he loved it. So I told Charlton that I’m thinking about approaching the neighbors about organizing a trick or treat day in the area. And so it goes…
Me: Have you heard Kuba asking about trick or treat for the longest time now?
Charlton: Yeah. Who did he hear talking about that?
Me: I don’t know. He’s probably seeing the commercials on TV. I’m thinking about going around to the neighbors to talk to them about organizing one.
Charlton: What?
Me: Maybe we can organize something in the area
Charlton: What?
Me (thinking): If you ask me what again you’re not going to like my answer
Charlton: Isn’t that when kids go from house to house begging candy?
Me: Begging. They go from house to house with an adult and they’re given candy – They’re not begging
Charlton: I don’t care what you say – It’s begging
Me: Chups (Translation: Whatever)
Charlton: You don’t have nothing else to do? How you come up with these things? Please don’t go and tell anybody about no trick or treat please
Me: What’s wrong with that?
Charlton: It’s not our culture and you’re putting people in expense
Me (being all “heady”): Partaking in someone else’s culture doesn’t mean you’ve forgotten yours
Charlton: Oh lord! Ease off of those vibes (Translation: Don’t do this)
Me: What expense are you talking about by the way? It’s just candy
Charlton: Mek people luan (Translation: Leave people alone)
Me (thinking): I’m still going to do it. Only because this is community-spirit at its best and I want to be ready when he realizes this. I swear… That’s the only reason. I’m doing it for him!
Other stuff that happened…
Kuba initiated a game of hide-and-seek with his cousin Destinee. Out of nowhere he says to her, “Destinee let’s play hide-and-seek.” She agrees. Of course like any other kid he wants to hide first So she goes in the bathroom to count and he goes under the bed. Destinee is in the bathroom counting loudly and he hears her and joins in. She comes into the bedroom and Kuba is under the bed saying, “Playing hide-and-seek, playing hide-and-seek” over and over again. If she didn’t know where he was she sure does now. Destinee looks under the bed and he shouts, “You found me!” Like… News flash; you were practically calling her name. You see, Kuba has come such a long way with therapy but I’ve never seen him initiate play like this. No one prompted him; the game wasn’t being played by any other kids. It was just all on his own steam.
Momma is sooooo HAPPY! I just wanted to say “Do it again!” ‘Do it again!”
Kuba also told his first joke (with little prompting). He got it from this YouTube video:
I’ve since banned him from these videos – He’s found so many of them and I’ve done some research and some are not kid-friendly and the Parental Controls on his laptop are not picking them up. Anyway the joke is:
What did the orange say to the tomato?
Hey Tomato
Good to see you
I was hoping we could… Catch-up (Ketchup)
And the laughter that follows… His own being the loudest – As a matter of fact he can barely contain himself while telling you. And his laugh is so infectious that you find yourself laughing without hearing the full joke. SIDE NOTE: I think he gets that from me :).
So… That’s a bit of what we did last week. If I tell you anymore I will have to kill you.
By the way; I’m looking for some ideas of places we can take Kuba on field-trips. Anyone…?
Say WHAT!
Posted on: July 21, 2011
Everyone… I think we all deserve a “pat-on-the-back” – Each of you who’ve told someone about this blog, talking to your friends and family about Speducation (short for Special Education) , commenting here and emailing etc.
Were you listening to the Voice of the People talk show today on Observer Radio? I would say a significant amount of time was spent discussing Special Needs Education. I know… “Talk is cheap” – And the person who came up with that quote was probably on to something – BUT – I think this time around the “talk” was more than “fluff”.
My definition of “fluff” in this instance: You know when someone is saying something and it doesn’t make any sense and you hear them and think to yourself… “This don’t make any sense” – But then they continue anyway because they believe (and sometimes I think (sadly) they truly believe this) that you can be fooled by the allure of “big-words” or supposedly “big ideas”. THAT IS FLUFF, which can also be used interchangeably with nonsense.
The discussion today was good! I didn’t agree with everything that was said, and I’m sure we’ll all discuss it amongst ourselves but that’s all a part of the process; right?
I think the grassroots work done so far with getting the word out, whether via email discussions, BBM ABILITY group or just talking to someone about Special Needs Education, has gone a long way. Again, I have to say that we’re by no means where we want to be but with our continued efforts and our “wearenotgonnagiveupness” attitude then we can help to advance this cause. We need to keep the momentum going! This will not happen overnight! And it almost appears as if the current system is designed to frustrate these types of efforts. So we all need to stick together as a team on this one and continue to lobby our decision-makers. However, I think it’s also vital that we make this matter of Special Needs Education important to the “average Joe”. We have to create widespread understanding and awareness among the public. As much as we may want it to be so, simply explaining the issue and why it is important for kids/nation is not enough. We cannot expect (although we wish it were different) others to simply take our point and agree that the issue is worth more attention especially when it doesn’t directly affect them.
As was said in our initial email telling you about the group ABILITY and our purpose… “We have to make it (Special Needs Education) topical. Discuss it on Facebook, Twitter, radio; bring it up in everyday conversations… Talk to whomever, whenever about whatever aspect of it you wish.”
We’re in the midst of our carnival celebrations and the discussion today was passionate and no calypsonian sung a song about it – Although I would but only dogs get my singing ability :).
Seriously though… Good job so far everyone!
What I’m thinking of now coming out of that talk show is…
We’re looking at 2013 for more trained Speducation teachers to be coming into the system. What happens between now and then? Yes, someone will be heading up that new department and more scholarships will be offered (which is GREAT!) but what happens to the kids and families who need the help now? It’s like having a trust-fund and your family is starving but you can’t touch it for a few years. A new school year is set to begin in about a month. What can we expect? It cannot be the status-quo? Can it? I refuse to accept that.
I know there are Speducation (short for Special Education) teachers in the system now. Does any know how many and where they are and what was the reasoning behind their current placement? Are they acting as special needs teachers or are they being used as general teachers? Is there any team-teaching/co-teaching being done in the school where they’re placed? Assuming there are special needs students in that school. These teachers that we’re talking about are they in the private or public system?
Found this great site that speaks about co-teaching in more detail: http://www.sagepub.com/upm-data/6847_villa_ch_1.pdf. It’s the best site I’ve found so far which offers (in my opinion) a good explanation of what co-teaching is. Especially take a look at what it is not which is what a lot of people try to pass it off as.
What I’ve found with working with my son is that some of the techniques that you use can work for any student not just the special needs child. So this only makes for better teachers.
I look forward to getting your feedback.
People Who Have Problems in School Laugh at Signing Passports and Keeping up with Date-Nights… But we’re All Differently-Abled; Right? I MISS YOU GUYS :)
Posted on: July 19, 2011
So, I’ve been feeling a bit overwhelmed lately. But what is a bit of “overwhelmnation” – Just made that word up so don’t go googling it. I’m working on a project that I’m passionate about so if I have a few migraines, and near burn-out, it’s nothing compared to what I’m hoping this initiative will bring for me and many other parents. It’s a big fricking deal folks and it’s only the beginning.
I and a few other parents have formed a pressure group called ABILITY. The aim of our group is to influence the people who actually have the power to make decisions regarding Special Needs Education. So, yes, it includes the Ministry of Education and yes, the Government by extension so yes, politicians… All of them, whatever side they are on – So when they come to talk to talk to you make this a part of the discussion – And yes, without a doubt it includes you! We’re going to need support – And that has to come from you. And no, I’m not running for office but, “Yes we can!” Damit!
WHAT’S UP WITH SCHOOL?! Or should it be !?
I’m not sure what’s going to happen with Kuba’s schooling as of the new term. I know; it is right around the corner but trust me when I say, “I have to be in a better place before I can talk to you about this.” Because I AM MAD! And I’m at my “wits end”. BTW, I’ve always wanted to use that term… “Wits end”. We don’t know what we’re going to do and we need to figure something out quickly. I was telling a friend the other day that I feel like I’m running out of head space. I can (almost) think of nothing else but Kuba, his school woes and Special Needs Education generally. It’s driven me to tears one day plus my OCD is kicking in big-time. I’m serious… I swear I have OCD. I just haven’t been officially diagnosed. Hear this… I have to talk myself out of talking myself out of not saying something about special needs education to EVERYONE I talk to. Regardless of what we’re talking about it’s in there like a comma or exclamation point. If you have a shrink I can borrow I really need one. I don’t think there’s a law against that is there? I’m beginning to talk to myself… MUCH MORE, than I normally do.
TOOK ONE FOR THE TEAM; HOPE YOUR GRATEFUL
I almost missed “date-night’ the other week. Charlton would have been crushed. We went to see a movie and I feel asleep (shhh, can’t let him know) I was sooo tired. He kept checking me asking if I was sleeping. My trick was to lift the arm rest on the chair, give him a kiss – Not the “get-a-room type” – And snuggle up to him… Yeah we’re still hot; falling asleep and all but whatever :). I was the one who came up with the whole date-night thing – Thought we weren’t spending much quality time with each other; with the exception of business meetings of course (LOL). Now Charlton has bought into it big time so you know I can’t slip-up too much because that would be bad, terrible for woman-kind.
PRIDE… I SWALLOWED IT. THANK GOD IT’S FAT-FREE!
We’re watching a rerun of the BET Awards and I’m singing me some Pattie Labelle oldies hitting all the high notes and then some. Charlton says…
Charlton: Wait, you can sing?
Me: What do you mean if I can sing? I sing to you all the time
Charlton: I don’t remember that – Because you know some people will sing and it sounds so annoying you want them to stop? I hate that
Me: So what are you trying to say?
Charlton: Nothing. I’m not saying that’s you… But if you’re singing to me and you sound annoying can I say stop? I can say stop right?
Whatever “big head” attitude I had about my vocal abilities just went out the door.
COME LET ME SIGN YOUR PASSPORT
Charlton is renewing his passport… He completed the form so he’s now asking me about who he can get to sign his passport photos.
Charlton: Who can I get to sign the picture?
Me: Ahhh, I don’t know. Maybe you can get a police officer
Charlton: Who?
Me: I don’t know? Can’t you go any notary public?
Charlton: Ok
Me: Hey, BTW, I’m sure I can sign it
Charlton: Since when you’re a notary public?
Me: I don’t have to be but… I’m sure I can sign it
Charlton (Laughing): Oh Yes! I forgot you’re The Salma Crump. Isn’t that what they call you?
SIDE NOTE: “The” pronounced “thee”
I start cracking up. I can’t hold back the laughter
Charlton: You’re Right! Look how I have someone right here… “The Salma Crump” – And I’m fussing about who to get to sign the picture
I’m still laughing. He gets up and goes to the kitchen and comes back…
Charlton: “The Salma Crump”, are you ready to sign? BTW, are you in the same group as “The Gisel Isaac”?
Me: Man, the lady’s name is “D. Gisele Isaac” not “The Gisele”
Charlton: Oh… So you’re alone then
Me: You’re such an ass
It was the best laugh I had had all week. Folks are right you know… It’s good medicine.
PROFESSIONAL AMATEUR
I did something in bed the other day. CLOSE YOUR MOUTH! I wasn’t in a business meeting.
So, Charlton and I were lying in bed and I did something…
Charlton: Hey, what was that?
I’m laughing…
Charlton: Because that’s no amateur move
SIDE NOTE: I swear it’s on the upper-level people. Get your mind out the gutter – LOL
Me: What’s that supposed to mean? How do you know what’s amateur and what’s professional? Explain yourself
Charlton: I’m just saying… No, I’m asking you what that was. I’ve never seen you do that before
Me: Really… That’s what you’re saying?
Charlton: Do it again… PLEEEASSSEE!
Me: Chups (Whatever)
SIDE NOTE: Moving forward I will be (as much as possible) translating my dialect for my international visitors and subscribers to come – LOL. So although it’s difficult to put “chups” in a word, the best I could come up with is “whatever”.
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