IT FEELS LIKE .......
I had the opportunity to take part in a simulation of what it feels like to be Learning Disabled (aka Learns Differently) and/or ADD - ADHD.
In the past, I've have watched videos and read books to try to understand what it feels like. After taking part in this simulation, I am able to tell you IT FEELS HORRENDOUS!!
The workshop consisted of moving through six stations and experiencing different tasks designed to make us feel LD or ADHD.
The WORST one for me simulated a visual perception, visual tracking and "pencil control" disability. I tell you, before it was over (10 minutes max for this station) I actually felt physically SICK.
Here's what we had to do.
Look into a mirror with our writing hand covered by a bowl while tracing a star,
writing numbers, and tracing letters.
It was SO FRUSTRATING.
I felt SO STUPID.
Others in my group were able to perform the task but I FLAT OUT COULDN'T DO IT. I tried and tried. I tried harder. I still couldn't do it. I finally got so agitated, I scribbled all over my paper, crossed my arms and pouted. (Sound familiar?)
Another station was equally FRUSTRATING. We had to take a spelling test in which certain frequencies had been deleted from the speech. Also, the workshop leaders purposely interrupted the "teacher" at the station while we were taking the test. It made it extremely difficult to concentrate on the test being given. The lesson went on even though I couldn't tell what the word was. Again, others in my group were able to do well but I couldn't. Again, I felt stupid.
One of the reading stations was EASY for me. The task was to read a
story written in a weirdo font and backwards. Additionally, the print was
kind of fuzzy. I did better than others in my group. I started feeling kind of
superior about it.
However, when asked about what I'd read - I didn't have a clue.
The facilitator talked to us as if we were students, saying things like, "reread the story to find the answer" and asking others in the group to help out. She even told me to not help others because they had to learn to read for themselves. All this time, we again were interrupted by such comments as "you're doing well" and "sound it out" and "that was a sight word last week" -- comments like that.
During the oral reading by the group, I found myself trying to figure out which selection I would be reading so I could practice it before the teacher called on me. She went around the group in a clockwise way. I really needed that practice time as it took a lot of energy to read a story written backwards. I did not listen to what anyone else read because I was so busy trying to get ready to read so I wouldn't appear STUPID again. But alas, even though I could orally read the story, I had no idea what it was about.
This really got me. At one point, the "teacher" gave another "student" in my group a sticker. You'd think this would spur me to "try harder". It didn't. I was a bit resentful and kept wondering if I'd get a sticker too and if didn't, why not?
There were other stations, depicting disabilities, but I won't go into them here.
What did I learn?
I think the most important thing I learned from the simulation was that constantly talking to people when they're trying to work is not helpful. Even the positive comments by the "teacher" were extremely distracting as I tried to concentrate and do the work. Basically, students need quiet time to think, focus and develop coping strategies for activities that are difficult for them.
Enough for today
IT'S YOUR CHOICE
GET INFORMED ABOUT WHAT IT IS LIKE TO HAVE A LEARNING DIFFERENCE
YOU NEED TO DEVELOP SOME EMPATHY FOR THOSE WITH LEARNING DIFFICULTIES!
A website about LD/ADHD simulation.
http://www.ncapd.org/APD%20Simulation/simulation.htm
PLEASE VISIT MY WEBSITE
When the student is ready, the teacher will appear.
DISCLAIMER
This information is for educational purposes only. Much of then information is from classes and workshops I've taken during my 25+ years of working with ADD & ADHD students - sprinkled with my own comments, thoughts and insights
Some information is acquired from the INTERNET. Be aware that not all information on the WWW is accurate. Use your own judgment. This information is not intended to replace information from your doctor, therapist, lawyer, psychologist, nutritionist or psychiatrist. Consult your child's (or your own) doctor for additional input.
Editor: BJ Madewell
Wichita, KS area
316-733-9532
FAX not available
Email ADDchoices@aol.com or ADDchoices@yahoo.com
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Please fwd to others who may benefit.
BJ
Madewell
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