Educating Young Minds

In October, I spoke to Brandon's 3rd Grade Class about people with disabilities. Brandon read an age appropriate "First Look at Disability" book to the class. Afterwards, Brandon's peers asked questions. Not only was I blown away by number of questions I received, but also the level of intelligence of the questions. The question I usually get, "Were you born in the wheelchair", but instead, they asked "Were you born with a disability"? Also, I did not only get questions about the disability, they asked about me. I got "What is your favorite color" and "What is your favorite holiday"? The kids were so enthusiastic about asking questions, the teacher had to stop them off after 30 minutes.

After a number of questions about me, I turned the direction towards Brandon. I wanted to kids to have the opportunity to see disability from his perspective. Brandon's peers asked him questions like, "Does it bother you that your parents have disabilities", "Do you like riding on their wheelchairs", "Who helps you with your homework?" Then to normalize our life for them, I told the students that I am pretty mobile, so when I wake Brandon up in the morning I get out of my wheelchair, crawl to his bed, sing to him, then we roll on the floor with the dog and laugh. With  Brandon and I laughing together during most of our talk, the kids could tell with have a lot of fun together.

When Brandon and I finished, I felt inspired that we opened these bright minds. My inspiration only multiplied when I received an e-mail from Brandon's teacher thanking me for coming to speak, then she told me some of the things the kids were saying after I left, such as:

"That was fun!" , "At first I was nervous to ask questions, but then I felt really comfortable." "At first I had a hard time understanding, but by the end I could understand."  

Then Brandon's teacher finished by telling me "This really left a positive impression on the class, and they so enjoyed you and Brandon."

Well, my goal as a Mom and a Motivational Speaker was accomplished. As a Mom, I wanted to break down any barriers between Brandon and his friends at his new school. As a Motivational Speaker, I wanted to break down ignorance and fears about people with disabilities through education.  I know this was achieved because when I come to Brandon's school now, the kids smile and wave at me.

My motto is: If I can inspire one person a day, I have achieved my goal.