Linda Wagner <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

> Betty,
>
> As an elementary teacher, I can tell you that I think it is
> still very common for parents to say, "Don't stare!  Don't ask
> questions!  Don't talk to them!"  Each year when I begin with a
> new group of students, I walk back and forth at the front of
> the room, introduce myself and give students a chance to ask me
> any questions they want.  Everyone looks at my legs as I walk
> but no one asks.  Then I say, "I know there is a really
> important question that you all want to ask.  It is ok.  Ask."
> Then a brave soul slowly raises their hand and asks, "Why do
> you walk funny?"  The ice is broken.  There is a big sigh of
> relief from the class.  From my reaction, they then know it is
> just fine to ask me questions about having cp.  In fact, I tell
> them that if they have been taught to "not stare or ask
> questions" that they can forget that approach with just about
> every disabled person.  Then I live each day to show them that
> having a disability is not that big of a deal, that I am just a
> person.  In the five years I've been teaching, I can already
> see a difference in the way kids relate to me and to other kids
> who are different.
>
> Linda
>
>
When my daughter was 5 years old I heard a little boy ask her:-

   "Why does your Dad talk funny?"

to which her reply was:-

   "Because he IS funny!!"


--
Deri James
Slam a revolving door today!