Date: Thu, 17 Aug 2000 - To: Recipients of KIDLEADER-SPANISH digests
From: Mirian Gregori <mgregori@varela.reu.edu.uy>
Subject: Re: Projects and handicaps

Hi Araceli :

You said:
> My students have different capabilities. Some of them are what is commonly called handicapped.
> Soon, we will have a blind student. However, this is a totally normal kid, very mature and adorable for his
> eight years. The experience interests me very much. I want your advice about whether there is something
> special I should do, or some special preparation that should be done. Do you have any advice for me?

Last year, I assisted in a school for Intellectually Handicapped children and young adults. (horrendous name, isn't it!) To me, they are persons with different needs. Most suffered from the Dawn syndrome, and were loveable. This year, I have not been able to go there yet, but a workshop was created, led by a "dearly beloved" teacher. They are so enthusiastic about the whole thing and enjoy what they achieve.

I believe the best advice I can give is to believe in their potential, and try to achieve an atmosphere of self-confidence among them. Surely, their achievements will knock you out.

As for the blind student, I believe that he, in principle, might participate in Kidwaila-chicos with us. His handicap should not matter much. It would be very interesting to have him present himself, and answer the four questions, orally perhaps, that you will put forward. The important thing is to build a communication channel so that this imprisoned mind can flourish. I believe he will be very pleased by having remote friends. Let us try to provide him with some.

It occurs to me that he might present himself orally. I do not know much about this, but certainly this must constitute an innovation, in terms of not replying in writing but through his own voice. I can envisage a page with a photo, a small audio archive containing his own recordings, and also transcripts, if you like.

As you can see, my imagination is filled with flying ideas...

Cariños Mirian Gregori.

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