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A new student came into our school. She
uses a wheelchair. I wanted to help her out and make friends, yet
all my friends say that there’s no use and nothing I can do. I know
that this is untrue and I want to make others aware of the fact that
people with disabilities are equals and that we can help them just
as they can find ways to help us. What should
I do? |
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We are so happy that there are people
like you who realize this and want to help all people to live in
harmony together. It is true that all people may not seem equal, we
are all similar in some basic ways. People with disabilities
sometimes need help, but so do we! A person in a wheelchair may need
your help but you may need her's as well.
To help raise awareness of this you might try inviting the girl to
participate in activities with you and your friends. Make sure that
the locations are accessible and the activities appropriate for her
condition. Others will see she is more like themselves than they had
thought.
We have some other ideas for you if you want to get on the
disabilities awareness bandwagon. Speak up when people say unkind
things or use inappropriate language referring to those who are
disabled. Write letters of thanks to TV shows or movies when they
portray characters with disabilities and encourage other forms of
media to do the same. Talk to younger children about people with
disabilities and encourage them to openly discuss their questions
and concerns. Also recommend that others read this newsletter which
will help them to see that we are all equal, to understand different
disorders and diseases and to know that there’s more than dis- to
disability. |
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I am in sixth grade and sit next to a boy who has
difficulty with his speech. Many times I cannot understand what he
is saying to me. Should I just nod as if I do
understand or ask him to repeat himself? |
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It is really much better to
ask your classmate to repeat what he has said to you. While nodding
may sometimes be okay, there will be many times when that response
will confuse or frustrate your friend. Just be sure that you use a
patient tone, the same tone you would use anytime you are unclear
about what someone has said to you. Also, remember that by taking
the time to ask your classmate to repeat what he has said you not
only let him know that you are interested in his questions and
ideas, but you also give him the opportunity to work on and improve
his speech. |
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Recently my father became paralyzed
from the waist down in a riding accident. He now uses a wheelchair.
I'm afraid to talk to him, fearing that I
will say or do the wrong thing. Please give me
some advice. |
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Don't be
afraid to talk to your father. We're sure
he would want you to talk openly instead of ignoring him or
imagining things as much worse than they actually are. Speak
directly to him and make eye contact, don’t stare at your feet or
mumble, this would obviously make him much more uncomfortable. Stand
or sit at a reasonable distance, as you would with anyone else.
Don’t be afraid of offending him by your usual slang (gotta run or
jump on in there). Be
yourself, he will respect that and feel more relaxed in your
company. Just remember one important fact: your dad is the same guy
in or out of the wheelchair. He loves you and wants you to feel as
though you can always talk to him, about ANYTHING! |
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What
are some of the jobs that blind people can undertake? |
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Little can prevent blind people from
undertaking most jobs. Obviously, they are unable to chauffeur or
drive a taxicab, yet there is a whole world full of other
occupations. Braille has brought many people out of the darkness and
allowed them to work as lawyers, teachers, secretaries, and so on.
They can even work on computers, thanks to a new function in which
the electronic device will "talk." Technology has helped the blind
in many ways and will bring about even more job opportunities
through the 21st century! |
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Should you pet a seeing eye dog? |
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You should always ask the owner. You
may have noticed that most working dogs wear a tag saying "I am at
work. Please do not pet me." Some people are more strict with their
dogs than others. In many cases it depends on the situation. A dog
is more apt to be friendly during play time than while he is caring
for his owner. The best way to insure the safety of the dog, the
owner, and you is to ask before you pet! |
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