Misunderstood Minds

I had the wonderful opportunity to experience Misunderstood Minds in my undergrad for a class on students with disabilities. So this would be my second time doing this exercise. I find all of it very difficult to do and concentration was not even a factor. My son who has ADHD all ways told me he never understood writing and reading. I knew when he as younger he needed the help in those two areas. But unfortunately his elementary school told me nothing is wrong with his learning.  He never got the true help he deserved.

When he was 13 years old a doctor diagnosed him ADHD. We were happy we knew why he was bouncing around and never could sit still.  He was always called a trouble maker and just didn't want to learn. That was not the case at all. He just had more energy then he could control at one sitting. I understanding the video that many kids can just have the personality but doesn't mean they have that diagnoses. My son was good at all the hands on learning but when it came to writing or any reading he had no interest to learn it or even try to. I tell you when you have to fight with a school who you thought looked out for their students and did nothing. My son was left behind and moved on because he was good at the other subjects.

I see students today in the classroom who have the same ADHD as my son. Who have tools and resources to help them through out the day. But since I found out my son was 13 years old diagnosed with it we had no help for him. My son is a smart boy and can learn, he never ever studies for a test and an pass. He may not be a great writer but he has gotten by his other talents. Today he takes Adderall for his ADHD. But being 17 and deciding when to take it is on him He is not consentient as he should be with the medication. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DaEyuicY_NM

Technology

Students with disabilities have a wider range of freedom in speaking. Having all the advances could either hinder or help them with thought process. I believe teachers need to be aware of the technology but they also need to learn the technology. 

The two articles I just read have a lot of information that can be overwhelming for a teacher. I think when you see the product and what they can do is more helpful then reading about it. In my past experiences I have had the opportunity to use and interact with students who use such advices in the classroom. Teachers sometimes get the advices but don't really know how to use them correctly.

Special education is always trying to improve a students function in the classroom. I understand giving a voice to students who don't have one is beneficial in a way in understanding their needs. Giving all students the advantage in learning is going to help students in the long run.

Sometimes technology is not always used in a suitable way for students. Crash courses for teachers is downfall for students learning. If we improve teachers knowledge of all the available devices then we will see students learning for themselves. Collaboration is what teachers should do. We should make learning enjoyable for all our students.