Here we go...
What was school like for me?
I do an entire presentation about my school experience, so if you would like me to come talk to your school, talk to your administration and give them my website. Basically, I went to a public school from the 3rd grade on. I had an aide with me at all times. And by the time I graduated high school, I was in all regular ed classes.
What did / didn't I like about school?
Well, what does any kid really like about school? :) Nothing in particular really stands out to me as something I really enjoyed. I guess, hanging out with my friends? I didn't like the fact, though, that I could never be out of my aide's sight. I feel like having an adult with me 24/7 (nothing against any of my aides themselves) hindered my ability to make friends, especially in high school. It also didn't really teach me independence. I wish the school district would have laid off of that a little.
What was the change with friendships going from middle to high school?
Without getting too personal, it was really hard for me. In middle school, I had a close group of friends. By the end of high school, we didn't really talk to each other. We just grew apart for many different reasons. And when you think about it, I think most kids grow apart. I don't think you are the same person when you are 13, 16, 20, 27, 35, and 50. Life just happens.
What is the one I want teachers to know about my disability?
I am so much more than my disability!
When did you decide you wanted to be a speaker?
That's a loaded question, my friend! One night I was out to eat with my friend and my personal assistant. This guy came up to my assistant who was helping me eat, handed her $20, and said "thank you for doing this, I really appreciate what you are doing." Now, I totally understand he was just being nice, and was not trying to be offensive, but I had to fight so hard not to break down crying in the middle of the restaurant. To me, it was like him saying he didn't know why anyone would want to be with me or help me eat. That was the night that made me realize I had to do something to try to change people's attitudes towards people with disabilities.
Side note. Even though I like doing presentations, I feel like everybody is going to learn so much more from my novel, because it is a direct insight to what situations are like when you have a severe disability. However, in order to have everybody do that, I have to FINISH the fricking thing! :)
Until you pick my brain again...
Sara P
What was school like for me?
I do an entire presentation about my school experience, so if you would like me to come talk to your school, talk to your administration and give them my website. Basically, I went to a public school from the 3rd grade on. I had an aide with me at all times. And by the time I graduated high school, I was in all regular ed classes.
What did / didn't I like about school?
Well, what does any kid really like about school? :) Nothing in particular really stands out to me as something I really enjoyed. I guess, hanging out with my friends? I didn't like the fact, though, that I could never be out of my aide's sight. I feel like having an adult with me 24/7 (nothing against any of my aides themselves) hindered my ability to make friends, especially in high school. It also didn't really teach me independence. I wish the school district would have laid off of that a little.
What was the change with friendships going from middle to high school?
Without getting too personal, it was really hard for me. In middle school, I had a close group of friends. By the end of high school, we didn't really talk to each other. We just grew apart for many different reasons. And when you think about it, I think most kids grow apart. I don't think you are the same person when you are 13, 16, 20, 27, 35, and 50. Life just happens.
What is the one I want teachers to know about my disability?
I am so much more than my disability!
When did you decide you wanted to be a speaker?
That's a loaded question, my friend! One night I was out to eat with my friend and my personal assistant. This guy came up to my assistant who was helping me eat, handed her $20, and said "thank you for doing this, I really appreciate what you are doing." Now, I totally understand he was just being nice, and was not trying to be offensive, but I had to fight so hard not to break down crying in the middle of the restaurant. To me, it was like him saying he didn't know why anyone would want to be with me or help me eat. That was the night that made me realize I had to do something to try to change people's attitudes towards people with disabilities.
Side note. Even though I like doing presentations, I feel like everybody is going to learn so much more from my novel, because it is a direct insight to what situations are like when you have a severe disability. However, in order to have everybody do that, I have to FINISH the fricking thing! :)
Until you pick my brain again...
Sara P