TEACHINGVISION.org// NEW AND SIZZLING innovation

DISABILITIES:: WITH A FOCUS ON ABILITIES

Purpose: Read the article, and gather important information from the article to learn about people with disabilities.

Here's one person's words you will read::

Jonathan is a very special friend. I have never seen him without a smile on his face or a happy thing to say. When Jonathan visits, we always do something fun, as he has endless energy. No one would ever know from this description that Jonathan has Down's syndrome.

Being around him makes me feel lucky and thankful for what (I have been given). Jonathan never complains about his disability - he lives his life to the fullest. He is like every other kid: He competes on a swim team and is an incredible bowler. When it comes to being a good sport, Jonathan could teach me a lesson or two. I used to think that having a disability meant to have a disadvantage, but Jonathan has changed my mind. As he says in his own words: "I just want to be accepted for who I am and judged for my abilities, not for my disability."

- Jessica Ferguson, 12

Instructions:

Click to read the article here.

JOURNAL RESPONSE:: [Answer these questions]

1. People with disabilities are sometimes treated unfairly, just because they may be in a wheelchair. What do you believe is something important to remember when you see someone with a disability?

2. What are three disabilities mentioned in this article?

3. Go back to the beginning of the article where someone mentions her mom has muscular dystrophy. What is muscular dystrophy?

4. In your own words and by reading the paragraph below, explain how people who do not have the ability to talk still communicate-
I continue to go to Alexandra's house every week. I've learned how she communicates with everyone: Using an interactive computer, she can choose what she wants to do or play. She can let others know how she is feeling, if she is hungry or thirsty, ask to be with a certain person, or ask for help, all with the push of a button. I realized that even though she may not be able to talk, she can understand what is being said to her and respond in her own way.

5. Have you known someone with a disability or seen someone treat one with a disability unfairly? Explain what those people could have done instead.

[I WANT TO GO BACK TO THE INDEX]