School Hasn't Changed Much

Posted by Megan Drummond Aug 19, 2009

When my younger brother, who is working toward his teaching certification, was home to visit last time, he told me a story about one of the kids he met while working in a school.

He had noticed a little kindergarten girl in a purple electric wheelchair around the halls several times. He guessed that she had cerebral palsy combined with something that also affected her breathing because she had a trach. He had also noticed that she was usually only accompanied by her aide. The other kids, even the older ones, and the teachers tended to avoid this little girl because they did not know how to approach her, what to say, etc.

Rob went up to her one day and told her that she had a really nice wheelchair, that his sister used to have one like it only hers wasn't purple. He told her that he used to get in it and spin around until he was dizzy and when he stood up, he fell right down. His story got the desired effect; it made the girl laugh. But he also felt bad because he could tell the girl was embarrassed. She had laughed so hard that a small piece of phlegm dislodged from her trach.

The girl's aide approached Rob at the end of the day and thanked him for doing what he did. She told him that the little girl was still talking about having a stranger come up and talk to her. I bet she went home and told her parents, as well.

I guess no matter when we go to school or how much we think things have changed, we are still going to be treated differently.

And remember, a few kind words can brighten someone's day immeasurably.