In response to the questions and comments about my sister, pictured at the bottom of my blog. Her name is Ann.
Yes, I grew up with a mentally retarded sister. I am six years younger than Ann. We grew up in a small town in Pennsylvania. I learned to deal with predjudice at a young age. My sister has a two year old mentality. She needs help with everything. I would take her by the hand, and walk down the street with my head held high. I knew that my sister deserved to walk down the street. Often, I would hear wispers, or see people pointing. I learned to ignore! The church we attended refused to allow her to participate fully. She hated that! She seemed to understand, and fought attending the church. Some of my school friends were not allowed by their parents to visit at my house, because of her. Some boys were not allowed to date me, because of her. I ignored them all, held my head high, and did what I knew was right. Today, my parents complain that she is not allowed to join them at the senior citizen community Bingo games, because she needs help! My parents avoid many activities, because they feel bad, get upset, get stressed, and can't handle the predjudice. I never felt that way, I never excluded my sister, and I always insisted on equality.
One particular incident I will never forget is related to my group day care home. My sister visited for a long weekend during the summer, several years ago. A week later, the state daycare inspectors showed up, asking to search my upstairs. I had been turned in for running a home for the mentally retarded in my upstairs. Evidentally, one of my day care clients did not like her presence in the day care. Actually, I felt that she fit in quite well, her mental level was about the same as my other children!
Today, my group day care home is open to all children, including those with special needs. My group day care home has received awards from various agencies for the care of these children. Upon enrollment, I make sure that all prospective clients know that this is my policy.
Mary L.
Mary
ReplyDeleteIt is sad to hear that you have encountered a negative response from families because you include children with special needs in your child care. There are some good resources from a program called Child Care Plus+ at http://www.ccplus.org/. Maybe point out to your families in your enrollment packet that you include children with special needs not only because it is the right thing to do, but because it would be illegal for you to exclude those children simply on the basis of their special needs. The Americans with Disabilities applies to children in child care too!
Mary,
ReplyDeleteI need to publically applaud you on behalf of special needs children everywhere. I am so moved by your discussion of Ann's life experiences and the inconsiderate and unthinking reactions she has received from the general public. You are such a true advocate for special needs awareness and understanding.
Congratulations on the success of your group home care. You are a sister and educator to be proud of!
Thank you for the support! It is not often heard, and greatly appreciated!
ReplyDeleteMary L.