Teaching students with learning disabilities by understanding them

By Dawn Marie Sicurelli
College of Education
Long Island University, C. W. Post
October , 2010

Today’s lecture focused on learning disabilities. We started class by conducting a simulation of being blind. This was a very effective exercise because I did not realize how much my life would change if I were to become blind. I would have to depend on my other senses especially hearing. I would also have to always rely on someone to assist me in daily activities. I would not be able to drive or perform other tasks that I take for granted. I would definitely feel a great loss of independence.

The movie had a huge impact on me because my youngest child struggled with a learning disability. He had a severe speech problem which caused him to lag behind in language, reading, and reading comprehension. Raising him took a lot patience and understanding. I placed him in a speech therapy program at the age of three and worked with him every day to help improve his skills. I educated myself on the proper ways of dealing with learning disabilities and helped him overcome his difficulties. However, I wish I would have known about the movie we watched today.

Although I tried to educate myself on my son’s problem, I never fully understood all the obstacles he had to endure. I have personally witnessed everything that was demonstrated in the movie and feel bad that I was unaware of his frustration, anxiety, and tension. I did not understand that he was behind in reading and comprehension due to the decoding process. My son experienced dysnomia and I now realize how it affected his life. I have also learned why my son behaved in a manner that at times upset the family. I feel very sad that I was so unaware of the challenges my son had to endure but at the same time very proud of his achievements. All parents and teachers who tend to children with learning disabilities should be required to watch the movie or attend a class similar to today’s presentation. Although I was successful at helping my son overcome his disability, I wish I could go back in time, give him a big hug and say- it is o.k. I understand.