Students share thoughts on disabilities
Some were personal. Others were research-based. All contributed in some way to increasing understanding.
One hundred thirty-five students in the Coeur d’Alene district wrote essays for the Annual Disabilities Awareness Writing Contest this year, about conditions like Asperger’s syndrome, cognitive impairment, traumatic brain injury and autism.
“It really helps to grow compassion and understanding in kids,” said Diana Gifford, director of the district’s special education department.
Though the essays look at differences, students often determine that we’re all more alike than not, Gifford said. “There are so many other things we have in common that give us that human connection.”
Below are excerpts from the essays of the first-place winners.
“There is a boy I know who is blind and uses a cane to walk. People don’t understand him so they laugh and say things that hurt his feelings. I am sure that hurts his heart. It would be hard to live your whole life being pointed at and made fun of. He is very nice and I wish people would just get to know each other first and then we could all be friends.”
Brooklyn Cunningham
first grade,
Skyway Elementary
“My sister, Alyssa is 16 years old and has a disability called 4p- (a chromosome deletion of the 4th chromosome). Having 4p- doesn’t mean she can’t enjoy things that everybody enjoys. Like listening to music with friends. And watch TV like “American Idol.” Most people know about disabilities, but they don’t know about Alyssa. None of my friends have sisters like Alyssa, so sometimes they will ask questions. Like, “How come she doesn’t talk?” I tell them that’s just the way she is.”
Madison Miles
third grade,
Hayden Meadows
Elementary School
“It is a horrible thought that not many people in other countries can have the same treatment that the little blind boy my mother and I are working with. Unfortunately, it is also true that many people in this country can’t have that treatment. I am helping my mother to teach this young boy to play musical instruments, and that he can make sounds on his own… Even though we know tools and positive attitudes work, it is heart breaking to think about how many people we’re not helping. Working with the little boy makes me feel like what I’m doing is improving his life … I could help all of the blind. But how?”
Bailey Powell
fourth grade,
Dalton Elementary
“In conclusion, people that suffer from TBI (traumatic brain injury) need a lot of help and love from everyone. People need to understand that after a person suffers from TBI, that person will probably look the same but might act differently. It is not their fault. They are doing their best but their brain will never be the same. I am thankful that I do not have Traumatic Brain Injury but I would help someone who suffered from TBI.”
Emily Carroll
fifth grade,
Skyway Elementary
“What is amazing is the fact that the largest disability group in our country are those with cognitive disabilities and learning disabilities. Yet, many people don’t care or haven’t learned about these disorders… If we can make people’s lives better by improving their condition or even delaying the decline of their condition, then we can provide a valuable contribution to the quality of their lives.”
Mathieu Trait
fifth grade,
Skyway Elementary
Kindergarten signups coming soon
Registration for kindergartners is coming up at area school districts next month.
Here are the dates, times and contact phone numbers for Kootenai County residents:
Coeur d’Alene: May 17 from 9:30 a.m. to noon at the school students are zoned to. To find out what that school is, you can check the district’s Web site at www.cdaschools.org/attend_zones.htm or call the district office at 664-8241.
Post Falls: May 3 from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Post Falls KinderCenter, 205 W. Mullan Ave. For more information, call 777-0479.
Lakeland: May 17 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the school students are zoned to. To find out what that school is, call the district office at 687-0431.
You should bring current immunization records, a certified birth certificate and proof of residency (for example: utility bill, rental agreement, property tax receipt).
Registration for older students will be in August.
Get creative at School Indigo fundraiser
School Indigo is hosting 10 hours of creative activities next Saturday for a fundraiser.
Children can dance, act, paint, write and sculpt throughout the Art-A-Thon. Though not required, donations and financial pledges are appreciated to help with the costs of running the school.
School Indigo is a nonprofit organization that tailors education to the individual student, and emphasizes the arts and creativity in thought.
Pledge cards are available at the school, 105 E. Indiana, in downtown Coeur d’Alene. The event will take place there from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. For more information, call 765-1555.