Today, I had an unfortunate encounter with a visitor to our school. It was disheartening and quite disgusting -- especially knowing her expertise and profession. I thought I would share the letter here... it explains it all. I am not sending the letter to the author because my administration is taking care of it. However, I posted my feelings here because this letter is for anyone who loves a child with a disability -- or anyone who believes every child, regardless of ability, deserves compassion.
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February 5, 2013
Dear Ms. Cook,
I
am writing to unfortunately express my sincere disappointment. What promised to
be an exciting and inspirational school visit from a well-known author quickly
turned to a disheartening and angering experience for me. As a kindergarten
teacher, I am paid to nurture and teach children of all abilities. The doors of
my classroom have no prerequisites – no stipulations. Every child is accepted,
every child is valued, and every child is loved. These beliefs, have afforded
me the most wonderful relationships and experiences with children of widely differing
abilities – including moderate to profound developmental disabilities. In fact,
because your picture books focus on behavior, self-control, and classroom
experiences, they have been a natural fit for my diverse classroom.
Due
to the love of my job that resides deep in my heart, every one of my past and
present students is special, unique, and important to me. This is why your
visit to our school today disturbed and angered me. A past student who is very
dear to me was included in a primary grade presentation. Although I should
mention her profound cognitive impairment and multiple disabilities, in our
school, these characteristics do not
exclude her from activities with her typically-developing peers. I don’t know
what type of students you worked with when you were a teacher and counselor,
but the students at our school are far from “perfect.” In our school, every
child has the right to be included in daily school routines and special events,
such as your visit. In our school, her loud vocalizations are simply a part of this
child beloved by her peers and teachers.
My
disappointment and anger stems from not only your comment that her vocalizations and presence were disruptive to your
presentation, but also the disgusted looks
you frequently directed at her and nearby staff. I feel the need to remind you
that, regardless of her abilities, volume level, or attention to your
presentation, she is a human deserving of your humility, compassion, and tolerance.
She is a valued child in our school – the school that paid for your presentation.
I
believe that intolerance often stems from ignorance. Although your collection
of book topics and counseling/teaching background would suggest otherwise,
perhaps you are in need of some education in the field of disabilities. Children
who do not communicate through traditional language are called non-symbolic
communicators. Although their communication may not be directly tied to a
specific meaning as words and speech are, I assure you that their attempts at
communication serve a purpose and function. Through vocalizations, gestures,
and body movements, even children with the most profound cognitive impairment
are attempting and learning to communicate with the social partners in their
environments.
So,
you see, as disruptive to your presentation as her vocalizations may have
seemed, our student was simply attempting to communicate her desires and needs
in the only means available to her. On your website (http://www.juliacookonline.com), you quote yourself: “In order to teach a child,
you must enter their view of the world.” I would challenge you, Ms. Cook, to
view the world through the eyes of a non-symbolic communicator… to enter our
student’s view of the world. A world in which, unfortunately, intolerant and
insensitive people still exist.
I
find it strangely perplexing how in a room full of five-, six-, and
seven-year-olds, the only person distracted by this communication was the
professional and role model standing in the front of the room. Because all of
our students are lucky enough to attend a school grounded in inclusive
practices, what you were hearing and seeing is commonplace. After all, our
society thrives on diversity – and our students are simply becoming more
prepared to face the world with tolerant, kind hearts.
From
the looks directed at our student and your comment today, I assume you are expecting
some type of apology – some sort of apology for disrupting your important
presentation to kindergarten and first-grade students. Although I cannot, nor
do I want to, apologize for our student’s expression, I am sorry for several things. I’m sorry that I once read your books and
felt an optimistic sense of tolerance in my heart. I’m sorry that somewhere
along your path, greed and money became more important than acceptance and love
of children of all abilities.
Although
your behavior will not be forgotten, I hope some piece of this letter affords
another child your empathy and tolerance. I hope some piece of this letter
reminds you to live the understanding
and accepting messages you preach in your books.
Jamie Anderson
Kindergarten Teacher
Omaha, NE
