TEACH ME. DON’T LABEL ME

I am not disabled.

I learn differently.

I am not handicapped.

I take in and use information that is somewhat unique to me.

Others may see me as handicapped when they insist on teaching

me in ways through which I cannot learn or when they insist that

I demonstrate my abilities in ways that are comfortable for them but not

for me. It is not I who is out of step, inadequate, handicapped, or disabled.

It is the system.

I don’t want my teacher to be my pal,

but I do want a model and a friend.

I don’t want my teacher to make life easy for me,

but I do want a teacher filled with a conviction that what

he or she teaches is important enough for me to learn and

I do want a teacher who has enthusiasm

that encourages me to keep working

until I learn.

I don’t want to be the teacher’s pet

but I do want to be treated as a person

worthy of respect in spite of my learning style

or because of it.

I don’t want a teacher who demands praise,

but I do want a teacher who understands my respect

even if I show it in awkward and sometimes hostile ways.

I don’t want a brain transplant,

but I do want an appropriate education.

I don’t want to be called learning disabled,

but I do want to learn

TEACH ME.

DON’T LABEL ME.

Barbara K. Given                                                  

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