“People need not pity us. They shouldn’t even give us special treatment. What we need is for “sighted” to accept and take good care of us”. Ricardo delos Santos, blind, quoted during an interview in a SpED class in St. Joseph’s College, QuezonCity, Philippines

Truly, I was amazed listening to the individuals who are sometimes identified as “insignificant”. Since it was my first, everything that I heard from them made me think anew. Indeed, God is really great for giving us the ability to comprehend as each day unveils a new mystery.

My Realization. I was touched and surprised to learn how the two resource persons fought for their survival. Everyday seems to be a battle for them. The ground was so wide and their foes were so many. But the most difficult among those were the “significant” that blatantly undermined their capability to live. But not all “significant” felt the same way.
I believe that while listening, the moment became a reality check. I reflected and looked back. I try to remember how I lived for the last 32 years. And like movie clips, I saw myself complacency living in most of my life. But when I was challenged once, I almost lost myself thinking that I can’t take life’s trials. It was just a test compared to the lifetime ordeal of the resource persons who shared their struggle in this life. For them, everyday is a test; every place is an arena where they should fight to survive.

I am just fortunate for believing in God, for keeping my faith in time that I almost gave up. I am very much grateful as well for having a family who may have failed to give material things but was able to offer themselves selflessly. I was moved when I heard the sacrifices of the parents for their children. It’s really no joke to raise a family, more so, if there is at least one member who needs extra care, and extra love. Honestly, I’m sad every time that I meet old people as it often reminds me of my parents at home, whom I had to sacrifice from not seeing. I chose to explore this profession hence, the need to face the consequence.

My Challenge. My first “face-to-face” interaction with blind people enlightened me once more. A new world has paved the way for another perspective in life. The challenge is up for me on how to contribute in influencing the community in treating the “insignificant” fairly. Time has come to embrace them. Transformation cannot be achieved overnight. The reality is, we co-exist with them and acceptance is a necessity. I don’t know if I need empowerment but I guess such would be necessary if I want to influence others as regard people with special needs. One’s existence is so short hence, every minute counts. I had been blinded in the past for so many things, but I am glad to see the light slowly, realizing that my existence can make a difference.

Special Education... A Perception...!

Personally, I never thought that I will enter the “world” of children with special needs. I was a teacher and still an educator- indirectly influencing thousands of students across the country. Realization hit me when I learned “who” the society refers to as children with special needs.

Relevance of Special Education to me. An eye opener, that life is not just for “normal” people. Individual differences are not plainly an idea of varied ways of beliefs, thinking abilities and physical attributes. In depth understanding that the world is roamed around by distinct individuals and labeling who’s in and who’s not should never matter to us. Hence, rational thinking and understanding should characterize every person of every race.

Relevance to the community. I realized the significance of SPED in promoting openness and understanding. The community as an extension of a bigger family should be the forefront in avoiding prejudice among people with special needs. Such action leads to acceptance and promotion of every individual pushing for a comfortable life.Relevance to Society. SPED is a way towards nurturing the capability of people regarded as insignificant. I never concerned myself about laws and policies in support of “some” groups unless it affects me. Now I realized the obligation of the society to develop the unique abilities of every student to obtain optimal skill - ultimately looking at them as potential contributor of progress, in their own little way, whether one is normal or person with disabilities.

How to do my part? Being a member of a policy making and standard setting agency, my immediate desire is to re-examine the curriculum developed for “normal” students. Unconsciously, we deprive children with behavioral and other disabilities to learn best because of situations they never wanted and the lack of skills of their mentor. Further, future training for teachers should include an understanding about students with special needs to know them well. At the end of the day, the learning of our students, regardless of their family status, physical and mental capabilities, should always be the primary goal of every one.