1960s or 70s helped these kids or was just another
dumping ground?I went to one of those schools and
they told me I will never get better and forget learning how to read and do math.I would be
lucky to get a job pumping gas. I guess no one
knew how to help kids with LD then. Whats your
take on this?
Answers:
I think that they thought they were doing the right thing and they perhaps started out with grand ambitions, however, the schools did not work out, had poor leadership and became quickly overburdened. We have come a long way since then. We have learned so much more about the disabilities and what are effective teaching methods. Sadly, a lot of kids received some damaging messages during that time due to the lack of understanding, funding, and social misconception. Luckily, many of us didn't listen. Many of us went on to earn degrees, start business, become leaders or just became some pretty cool people who are able to think outside the box!
ADDITION:
I'm sorry that your parents chose to take that line. Unfortunately, you and I grew up during the tail end of shipping off anyone who didn't fit the mold. Institutions were everywhere and parents were not offered much, if any, support to help their children through significant issues. This seemed to start changing in the late 70's/80's and has continued to develop since then.
I wish you well and hope that you have proved them wrong in some fashion or another!
being a kid with a few LD's, i know alot about this stuff. the schools in the 60's and 70's were duping grounds for the "stupid and Weird" kids. the fact of the matter is that the teaching of LD kids has only just recently developed into a good system. The fact that the school you were in said that you will never get better and forget learning how to read and do math and would be lucky to get a job pumping gas is disgusting.
I also have a learning disability. I was also told that I would not be able to go to college and flipping burgers would be my best hope in a career. I think people make choices when they are told they can't do it. Either the person says,“Yes, you are right I am not smart enough and I can't work hard enough to achieve success or they take another path.” Or “No, I will achieve all my hopes and dreams and I will prove you wrong.” I personally took the road that said, I can do more and be more. I went to college earned an undergrad and masters. Every time I complete a new certification, earn a new degree or receive a reward, I photocopy the material, go to McDonald’s and I buy a gift certificate for a meal. I then send it to the person that told me I could not be what I wanted to be. The note is this: Thank you for telling me I couldn’t achieve my dreams. Here is proof that you were wrong. A person is not defined by grades. The person is defined by their will. I hope you enjoy the burger and fries. Sorry, I can’t join you for lunch.
My story is not unique. There are many wonderful people in this world that had serious learning disabilities that used their learning disability as an advantage. Learning disabilities have been around as long as people have been around. Learning disabilities can be found from heads of states, actors, musicians or the educators that teach us. Even
For example, Paul Orfalea - founder of Kinko's Copy Centers (reading & written expression difficulties), Richard Wanderman, educational –assistive technology consultant (dyslexia), and Don Johnston founder of Don Johnston Software Company specializes and curriculum supports for children with learning disabilities.
I think you had a poor educational example. But it does not have to define who you can be in the future. If you want to return to school and take the chance you didn’t have year ago, take the shot. There are serves available at the college level for students with learning disabilities. Only you can determine the path you take. If you allow the past to dictate your future then you risk not ever seeing what the world has for the taking.
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