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FEATURE WRITER
	World Disable Day by Munir Moosa Sewani

The world is moving towards progress in every walk of life. But when we look towards society, it feels as if something is still missing.  Money, power, fame, etc., is the wish of every human being to attain. But we can’t deny this fact that we all are bounded with loads of social problems which are hard nuts to crack. The key element of success and self-satisfaction is missing in most societies. Social issues are matters which directly or indirectly affect many or all members of a society and are considered to be problems, controversies related to moral values, or both.  Social issues include poverty, violence, pollution, injustice, illiteracy, corruption, bribery, suppression of human rights, discrimination, and crime, child abuse, rape, abortion, etc.

Out of many social problems, I feel that the rights of the Exceptional People are always being neglected by many. The International Day of Disabled Persons will be observed on the 3^rd of December every year, but it is observed with true essence of understanding in only few countries.  No one wants to hear about these people.  No body wants to give them proper love and care.  They are being rejected from most societies.  Due to the ill-behavior of the people, they are facing a lot of trouble trying to explore their talents and creativity. Now, the time has arrived when we need to re-think about our attitudes towards them.

I did my research for 7 years at Aga Khan Social Welfare Board for Exceptional People Committee.  I joined this institute and came to know about their feelings and emotions.  I later studied many books and met many children of the “Borderline Category” of different schools in Karachi .  The revealing truth was bitter.  I realized that they were totally deprived from our society, and many were considered insane, which is not true.

I guess, no one has the right to define any human in their own perception, until and unless, he/she knows himself/herself deeply and perfectly.  But it is a matter of disparity in Pakistan , that these Exceptional Children are considered as a different beings. 

Let us try to understand, who exceptional people are.

Those persons who have an IQ score which differs from the mean by two or more standard deviations are called Exceptional Persons.  The mentally retarded are declared as those persons who have scores two or more standard deviations below the mean.  On the other hand, the persons having scores two or more standard deviations above the mean are called gifted persons.  

Categories in respect of IQ are as follows:
70 above Border Line (trained and understandable)
70-50 Mild (educable)
50-35 Moderate (trainable)
35-20 Severe (minimal skills)
20-0 Profound (custodial care)

Thus we can say that, “Exceptional children are those who lack either motor, cognitive, language, social and emotional, or self-help skill development.”

Imagine yourself sitting in Japan with the Japanese students communicating only in Japanese. How will you feel?  At that moment, you will be called a disable person who can’t speak or understand their language.  But this is considered by you as a normal reaction, because you know you are normal.  If that is the case, then how could most of us declare others as 'mental' without judging their talents and special skills, which God has bestowed them?

What disability is all about?

“Disability” means the lack of ability to perform an activity in a manner that is considered to be normal.”

“A disability is the expression of a physical or mental limitation in a social context- the gap between a person’s capabilities and the demands of the environment.”
(Pope and Tarlov, 1991 )

A person with disabilities means who, on account of injury, disease, or congenital deformity, is handicapped in undertaking any gainful profession or employment, and includes persons who are visually impaired as well.  In short, Exceptional People are those who lack in one of the areas of development.

“Disability refers to the impact of impairment upon the performances or activities commonly accepted as the basic elements of every day living. Disability can be used when an impairment, objectively defined, constitutes a hindrance to mobility, domestic routines or the occupational and might be communicational skills.”

According to the social model, “Disability is the outcome of the interaction of person and their environment and thus is neither person nor environment specific”.

Remember that physically disabled, blind/partially sighted,  hearing impaired, autism, speech impairment, learning disabled, mild, moderate, severe, profound, borderline, etc., are some of the main categories of the Exceptional People out of many others. Persons with Exceptionality are mostly unseen, unheard and uncounted persons in Pakistan . They are the most marginalized group. Persons with special needs face overwhelming barriers in education, skills development and daily life.

The United Nations estimates that some 600 million people worldwide have a disability and that the vast majority of Exceptional People live in low and middle income countries. The proportion of Exceptional People in Pakistan as per census 1998 is 2.49 percent of total population, which is quite diverse from the estimates of World Bank, UN and WHO.

These children have equal right to freedom of expression, quality education and have access to a safe and healthy environment; in accordance with the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, 1973; to have full rights and obligations as citizens as confirmed in; the UN Declaration of Human Rights, 1948, on Education for All (1990), UN Standard Rules on Equalization of Opportunities of Persons with Exceptionality (1993), Salamnca Statement and Framework for Actions (1994), Dakar Framework for Action (2000), UN Millennium Development Goals (2001) and the National Policy for Persons With Disabilities (2002) guarantee the rights of all children, both with and without disabilities, to obtain quality education adapted to their individuals needs, abilities and aspirations and full equal participation in all other aspects of life such as participating in decisions and casting votes, etc.

The issue of Exceptionality is gaining more and more importance all over the world as well as in Pakistan . Due the movement for a rights based society initiated by many national organizations, World Bank and other donor agencies have included this issue in their mandates. Governments haves framed various policies including the reservation of jobs, concession facilities in traveling, special training institutions etc.  But the question is, if these mandates were made, when it will be implemented, and who will implement it?

An infrastructure for Inclusive Education and Training was established in Pakistan in the 1980s which far exceeds that of most of the developing countries. However, despite these efforts, the sad fact is that most people with disabilities and their families remain completely un-served by government – and even NGO resources. There is dire need of more accurate data and research on causes, prevention, and curative efforts to understand the social and economic realities and possibilities with regards to disability.

The major barrier to employment and other socio economic benefits for persons with Exceptionality in our society continues to be attitudinal barriers; stereotypical thinking and assumptions about what people with disabilities can and can't do. The truth is that the range of abilities of persons within any Exceptional group is enormous. We need to get rid of our stereotypical images and view each "individual" as just that, "an individual".

Only limited categories of disabilities (physical disabilities such as amputations, foot and leg deformities, visual and hearing impairments) have been surveyed nationwide and most of the data has not been categorized by gender. Therefore, quantitative, nationwide, disaggregated data, by gender and age, is required for comprehensive policymaking and an assessment of progress.  In Pakistan , there is only the ministry, responsible for social welfare and special education, which touches upon persons with Exceptional issues. Moreover, many Pakistani’s believe that persons with Exceptionality are a social burden and a curse on their families. These beliefs lead to the misunderstanding of disability. They prevent people from obtaining appropriate information and being educated. Employment opportunities for them are very limited and so they are a financial burden for their families.

Like us, Exceptional people are also bounded with some common problems, which they face in their day to day life.

Some of the problems of exceptional people are

·        Hyperactivity;

·        Distractibility;

·        Impulsivity;

·        Anxiety withdrawal;

·        Fear and Phobias;

·        Eating disorders;

·        Movement problems;

·        Depression;

·        Suicidal Behavior;

·        Difficult Temperament;

·        Conduct Disorder;

·        Aggression;

·        Obsessions and Compulsions;

·        Reluctant Speech;

·        Elimination Disorder;

·        Unresponsiveness to Suicidal Stimuli;

·        Self Injury, etc.

Persons with disabilities face multiple social, economic, physical and political problems, which hampers their freedom of movement in society. These barriers include stigmatization and a misunderstanding of the abilities and aspirations of persons with disabilities. There is also a pronounced lack of informational data, rules and regulations, rehabilitation centers, and main streaming and specialized services for persons with Exceptionalities.

The major community problem for which I have contributed my efforts is for “THE RIGHTS OF SPECIAL PEOPLE.” I have worked as a teacher/counselor/trainer of Exceptional People for 7 years. Since my childhood, I had an intention to dedicate my life to social work for the Exceptional people, because I had a natural bond of attachment with them.

I dealt with all types of students in the Profound, Severe, Moderate and Mild categories. But I especially worked with “Borderline” students, those who want their rights; those who are facing major problem in every society and in every community; those who want their creativity to explore in front of others; those who await love from others and want other to accept them as  Normal Beings.

I believe that every individual can make a difference.  I thank God that these lovely students trusted me, gave me the bond of relationship, and accepted me whole-heartedly during my first year of Volunteer Service. They shared all of their problems with me and I thank God for giving me the special power for being accepted by them.  I have heard their voices, their shivered pleadings, their wishes, their expectations.  But still, they need everyone in society to hear them, to care for them, and to love them. While working for their RIGHTS, I also faced many difficulties in our society.

I can’t do everything alone, but at least, I have brought a little change in their lives, which is a big reward for me. The problems, which need to be resolved wholly, could only be possible if societies will join their hands together. 

Media should take an initiative to discuss their issues to create awareness among the masses

Inclusive education should be made compulsory in every school as the part of their curriculum.

Awareness campaign for students, parents, & teachers should be raised in every community.

Job opportunities must be provided to disabled people

Their needs should be addressed.

Awareness should be made through telecasting movies and drama on their issues.

They should not be called 'special.'

Competition should be raised in every community for younger students to make them aware about their rights.

They must get rights to study in normal schools with special needs.

Government should setup new curriculum for them.

Psychological testing should be made compulsory to identify their needs and areas of development.

They must get work place opportunity, which is lacking in Pakistan . They must get jobs in government institutions also.

Every one can contribute in the society:
· By participating in International competitions to raise awareness.
· By participating in awareness campaigns.
· By developing new curriculum for them on national policy level
· By providing them educational facilities and social justice.
· By raising funds for them and by finding more work place opportunities for them.
· By truly implementing the human right laws, made by UN.
· By motivating them more enthusiastically.

Ask Dr. Manute

I recently received a question regarding student time on task:

Dear Dr. Manute, 

"I teach in a Middle School, grades 7 and 8.  I’ve been teaching over 10 years and  I believe I have effective management in my room, the students seem well behaved and respectful.  My teaching has been effective in the past, but recently  I am having difficulty keeping students’ attention and keeping them on task.  Do you have any suggestions?" 

Nichole, Portland, Oregon

Dear Nichole -

This is not an unusual request, students especially in the middle grades can be a challenge in terms of keeping them focused and on task.  You say your teaching has been effective and your management plan is in place and working.  Being that you are a veteran teacher who has been successful probably you could begin by examining your teaching methods. What techniques are you using to make your lessons interesting and relevant.  Motivation is very important especially in Middle School.  These students are generally full of energy and excited and keeping them on task is like herding cats.  The skillful teacher uses all of her resources and creative ideas to accomplish this.  Something you may try is plan 4 to 5 different activities within your class period.  Break up the period, I once observed a Social Studies teacher begin with a quick lecture/note taking activity followed by a discussion then a mapping exercise.  She finished her lesson with students working cooperatively on a group project.  The students seemed to be able to keep their focus for the entire period as each activity was relevant and interesting.  Challenging students is also important, have you ever tried to begin with a question to the class?   This can be an excellent opener.  Don’t provide the answer, have the students figure it out. Providing hints is a way to keep it going.  Often times the dialog is interesting and provocative. 

Relevance is also important, do the students see some value in what they are learning or does it have no meaning to their daily lives.  Research indicates that learning is increased when it is relevant.  Isn’t that really the case in our own lives, when something is important to us we much more interested.

I’ve provided a couple of suggestions for you to try, I hope you continue to have success in your teaching, let me know how it turns out. 

Do You Have Great Ideas, Tips, or Techniques to Share with Our Readers?   Are You Looking To Be Published? Submit Your Articles On Our Website At:   http://www.starteaching.com/submit.htm

School Features
	Inclusive Classrooms (part 1) Courtesy of K12Academics.com

An inclusive education refers to schools, centers of learning and educational systems that are open to all children, and that ensure that all children learn and participate. For this to happen, teachers, schools and systems may need to change so that they can better accommodate the diversity of needs that pupils have and that they are included in all aspects of school-life. It also means identifying any barriers within and around the school that hinder learning and participation, and reducing or removing these barriers. Inclusion in education is a process of enabling all children, including previously excluded groups, to learn and participate effectively within mainstream school systems. Placing excluded children within a mainstream setting does not of itself achieve inclusion. Inclusive education must be underpinned by key principles and practices:

Principles
Every child has an inherent right to education on basis of equality of opportunity

No child is excluded from, or discriminated within education on grounds of race, color, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national, ethnic or social origin, disability, birth, poverty or other status

All children can learn and benefit from education

Schools adapt to the needs of children, rather than children adapting to the needs of the school

Children's views are listened to and taken seriously

Individual differences between children are a source of richness and diversity, and not a problem

The diversity of needs and pace of development of children are addressed through a wide and flexible range of responses

Practice
The practice of developing inclusive schools involves:

Understanding inclusion as a continuing process, not a one-time event

Strengthening and sustaining the participation of children, teachers, parents and community members in the work of the school

Restructuring the cultures, policies and practices in schools to respond to the diversity of pupils within their locality. Inclusive settings focus on identifying and then reducing the barriers to learning and participation, rather than on what is 'special' about the individual child or group of children, and targeting services to address the 'problem'

Providing an accessible curriculum, appropriate training programs for teachers, and for all students, the provision of fully accessible information, environments and support

Identifying and providing support for staff as well as students

The next issue will focus on benefits and criticism of the inclusive classroom.  

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Click Here For The Year of the Dogman Website	Click Here For The Haunting of Sigma Website		Click Here For The Western Odyssey Website
The Dogman, a creature of MythMichigan, is an excellent example of modern-day folklore to study in your classes.    http://www.dogman07.com		The Longquist Adventures, written for elementary students, is excellent for teaching mythology and classic stories to young children.   Look for Western Odyssey this summer!
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New Teachers' Niche:  A Place for New Teachers, Student Teachers, and Interns
	Creating an In-Class Cable TV Network by Frank Holes, Jr. Educational Consultant

You, of course will need several pieces of hardware, including a TV or (digital projector) and a computer. You will also need the proper cables to connect the two. We've discovered that sometimes the resolution on some computers needs to be adjusted or changed, so check your monitors setting. You might even need a scan-converter if all else fails. Such a TV network can also be simply set up on a computer monitor which is turned to face the students.

Your computer will also need PowerPoint (or an equivalent presentation software). We've used such programs effectively on Macs, as well as Linux and Windows machines, and they all work well for this application.

PowerPoint has the feature of progressing through information or slides by either clicking your mouse, or by setting up timings between every action. Thus, you can have each word, line, paragraph, or even graphic animated automatically. You can change up the settings for different bits of info you have. Check the top menu for 'slide show', and follow down the menu to 'custom animation' (or look for a similar command). Once there, you can select each element to animate, the type of transition to occur, any sound you want associated with it, and also the timing (automatic, not on a mouse click). You will want to practice a few times until your timing is good, and there are enough seconds to see or read each element before the next animation or transition. Even your slides can be changed automatically. Go to the 'slide show' menu and select 'slide transition' or 'set up show'. From there, you can choose the type of transition, and even its speed of animation.

You may wish to check your computer's settings so the machine doesn't go to sleep on you, or change to a screen saver. That would definitely defeat your purpose!

Now that you know how to set up a show, you have to decide what material or information to put out on display. I put up basic information such as the lunch menu, school or class announcements, and homework assignments. I will also post a class schedule and switch times if the daily schedule is altered. For the students who were absent, we also display class notes from previous classes. Now there is no excuse for students missing assignments or class information!  And this saves you from having to deal with every returning student asking what was missed and where to find it.

If you are brave and want to create a great class project, have your students run your daily announcements. You could partner them up and have your first class of the day create the announcements. Another project is to have your students create storyboards, where a short story is broken up among a number of slides, each slide including pictures, clip art, or graphics to illustrate the story. You can find many good images online or in the clip art of your program. If you have access to a digital camera, you can even have students take their own pictures and insert them.

Yet another project we've done is to create a PowerPoint to summarize one class or a week's worth of class info. This becomes an animated newsletter or magazine. Again, assign a student to take photos on a digital camera during the class and combine these with articles on the various activities you've done. You might want to include students' work as examples.

There are also advanced techniques you can experiment with as you get better with the program. Sound can be added, such as background music, songs, or voice recordings. There are also ways to include video.  Become an expert with the basics, and you'll be ready for these advanced techniques.




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Be sure to check out our website for more great information, tips, and techniques for new teachers, student-teachers, and interns in teacher prep programs. Also be sure to check out our Who-I-Want-To-Be teacher plan for preparing yourself to enter the educational profession.  Simply click the following link: http://www.starteaching.com/free.htm Want to check out the articles in our Student-Teaching series?  Check out our special Student-Teaching page through the following link:  http://www.starteaching.com/studentteachers.htm

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Be sure to check out our website for more great information, tips, and techniques for new teachers, student-teachers, and interns in teacher prep programs. Also be sure to check out our Who-I-Want-To-Be teacher plan for preparing yourself to enter the educational profession.  Simply click the following link: http://www.starteaching.com/free.htm Want to check out the articles in our Student-Teaching series?  Check out our special Student-Teaching page through the following link:  http://www.starteaching.com/studentteachers.htm

 

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"Big Difference"  Author Unknown Themes on Life

In This Week's Issue 
(Click the Quick Links below):

World Disable Day

Ask Dr. Manute: Time on Task

School Features: 
Inclusive Classrooms (part 1)

New Teacher's Niche:
Creating an In-Class Cable TV Network

Themes on Life:  
"Big Difference"

10 Days of Writing Prompts

10 Days of Math Problems

Autumn Book Sale for Teachers

Book of the Month Club

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