Just last year I was surplused
to a new work environment
for which I was not accustomed
I was used to working with cerebral palsy
and down syndrome students
I never before worked with autistic children
before I switched schools
Most of the students I work with
at my new work place
were diagnosed with autism
But some were just thrown into
the mix because their prognosis
was either not known or up in the air
They all work just fine together
no matter if they are autistic or not
We have kids who are highly functional
We also have kids who are very low functioning
But no matter what function they are
they make friends with each other
They never put each other down
Even on a bad day they are easy
to get along with to me
We have a self contained room this year
so that all the kids who distract those
who are trying to learn are isolated
in that one room all day long
I don't think that is in any way ethical
but I can't argue with the superiors
on that subject or I will get fired
I just have to agree to disagree I guess
I love where I work now
I love the children I work with
I even like the teachers, paras
job coaches and site director I work with
I would never give up this job for nothing
I protect every child and workmate
as if they were my own family
Author notes
19. You work with people with disabilities, (children and/or adults). Write a story/poem based on some of your experiences with them.
A contest entry
- It's Only a Dream if You Don't DO IT! by kareneisenlord.
3500 points, ended September 16, 11 entries
Honorable mention
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
Please tell me what you think
Comments
1 - 6 of 6
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Wow, this one is emotional! a lovely write though i hasten to add
Good luck and thankyou
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Is this a true poem? I love this. It reminds me of Revelation 21:4. Soon sickness with be no more.
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Thank You for Your Entry ~
I've always wanted to have the courage to volunteer for things like this but I get too emotionally attached and know I could not work without feeling everything towards them - this is a wonderful poem about the work and life led in it
Congratulations on the Honourable Mention
Best of Luck
♥
Stay safe
~Manda
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Excellent
As a retired nurse I have taken care of many disadvantaged children and raised a AAD grand son. This poem touched me deeply. In forth grade the system wanted my grand son put in Special Educaton. I almost had a fit when I saw the room. I took off a year from work and went to school every day until they retested him and streamlined him, as a result many other parents followed my lead and many children were removed from that awful room. He is now married, a father, a eighteen wheel truck driver and doing great. Parents just have to take it on them self to get them where they belong.
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I've worked with autistic children also, both in education and occupational therapy. They are always a delight, and they each have their own uniqueness and personality. Isolation for the entire day?! That sounds harsh. It's a long time-out.
A rule I was taught is that time-out should not be longer in minutes than the child's age. For example, a four year old would be eight minutes. Being in isolation may not be a punishment either, because many autistic children like to be alone in their own world.
I don't know if what they are doing is appropriate, but I also don't have all the facts. Thank you for your entry. It is very nice and I enjoyed reading it! -
This was touching to read. I loved it! The story you told, and the feelings you expressed simply and elegantly almost made me cry. It's inspiring to read, and you have my encouragement and respect for what you do.
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