Students with disabilities provide a challenge to not just their teachers, but their parents, and also themselves. Many of these students strive to be the best they can while they know they are limited in some capacity of their learning. This can be overwhelmingly frustrating for all the parties involved that are helping the student through their schooling. For teachers this is a basic quest of presenting the material in just the right way for a student to understand. This is not as easy as it sounds, because there are many different way to present material, and sometimes nothing works. For parents it is difficult because every parent wants to see their children succeed, and when their is a learning disability present, they know that success will come with a painful process. For the student, however, this is the most frustrating place to be.
Students with disabilities, that range from mild to moderate, are fully aware that they are in Special Education classes, that they need assistance, and that they are not like everyone else in school. College might not be a possibility for them, and they simply are not able to learn the way they know they should. They are aware that there is a disparity in the learning. This is the biggest challenge. For students to understand that their issues have no bearing on their capabilities is a major success. Many of these students deal with depression, anger issues, and self-esteem and confidence issues. They know they are not like the other students. This is a hard thing to watch as a parent or teacher.
As a parent the best thing that you can do is to reassure your child that they have qualities and talents that are in demand, then expand on those qualities. Work with the teachers and the IEP, or Individual Education Plan coordinators to have a plan of attack that allows consistent education, reassurance, and development both at home and at school. This will help you child develop and become a confident learner.
