Teaching students with learning disabilities by understanding them

By Christopher Michael
College of Education
Long Island University, C. W. Post
October , 2010

Today’s class a new topic was introduced. The topic was leaning disabilities. We began the class with an interesting activity. We had to partner up and simulate what it would be like if we were disabled. Our disability was blindness. One of us was blind while the other gave us directions. We had to walk through one door of the classroom and back in the classroom through the other door.

At the time I found this activity very difficult. After the activity I realized that my life would have drastically changed if I were blind. I would defiantly lose my independences. I would also not be able to play the sports that I have been taking for granted all these years. My life would never be the same.

We then watch a video about students that have learning disabilities. I never imaged how difficult their lives are. Every aspect of their lives they face challenges. They have issues ranging from anxiety to processing language. I never realized how difficult their lives actually are. Nothing seems to come easy for them. I have a new found respect for them. The biggest realization was that their disabilities do not just affect them during school hours; their disabilities are a lifelong challenge.

Looking back on our activity in the beginning of class, being blind is easy compared to what they are going through on a daily basis. Do not get me wrong, being blind is horrible. Students are going through a lot of challenges when it comes to school and life. Having a learning disability is much more than I could handle. I am glad that I have an understanding of what they are going through. If I should encounter one of these students I will be a little more prepared than I would have been before today’s class.