800!!!

Post number 800, I better have something good tonight!

You know my time is very limited, and I haven't been writing much, but look out - I've got something on my mind. 

Last night a friend on facebook shared a dilemma she was having at her child's school.  Like Chelsea, her son has Down syndrome, and like Chelsea, he likes to go where he wants to go - when he wants to go there.  Are you following?  Think back to Chelsea's 6am trek to the neighbors house, in the snow, in her pajamas, when she was 3 years old.  Oh wait.  Maybe I didn't tell you about that one.  I'm sure you can use your imagination.

This mother is torn because her son's teachers have asked if they can put a bright orange safety vest on him while he is at recess.  They claim this will make it easier for the staff to "spot" him amongst the other children - hence decreasing the chances he'll run off without being noticed.

Yeah.

Seriously.

True story.

So I stewed about the topic all day and went back to read the comments from other facebook friends tonight.  I was appalled at the responses.  Sure, most of them feel that this is not appropriate, but there was a surprising number of parents who supported the BRIGHT ORANGE VEST.  So tonight I share with you my response.

(to the bright orange vest supporters) - I am a parent of a child w/ Ds, and my child is VERY likely to wander off. I am also a Kindergarten teacher. It is our job to be watchful of ALL children. Regardless.

This is 2010 people. I'm extremely sad that there are parents out there who think this is okay. I just don't get it. I feel like we are constantly trying to fight for a place for our children - trying to get others to see just how much they have to offer, and that they are "more alike than different." Making the child wear a bright orange vest is like sticking a great big sign on his forehead that says, 'Hello, I have Down syndrome, and I am DIFFERENT.'

Isn't our goal for our children that they become contributing members of society? Well, NEWSFLASH, ... society is only going to be accepting of adults w/ disabilities if they are taught acceptance as children. It starts now people. If you think there is a safety issue, then the teachers on duty need to be doing everything in their power to keep him safe. Stand where they can see the exits at all times, be diligent. Teach. Teach. Teach. Do we think this child will NEVER learn not to run off? Need I remind you?  Every child can learn. (no matter how hard they try to prove otherwise some days ;) I don't care if the teacher has to review and practice appropriate playground behavior/rules every single day the ENTIRE year. He will get it. In his own time. Even if it's not until 5th grade.

As a teacher, I often feel I need to keep my opinions censored, but I could not bite my tongue on this one. We have made so many strides over the past 20 years in the area of disability awareness, and acceptance. What this school is proposing is a HUGE step backwards.

Please consider all of this when making your final decision (insert name of friend here ... assuming she still wants to be my friend)!

I'll leave you with a peek at my favorite contributing member of society...