[blindkid] Advice needed about school incident

[Carrie Gilmer]

I can only say what I would do/have done. This "game" happens to blind
adults too; I once witnessed a sighted spouse do something on this order to
his wife who was getting training at one of our centers. First I make
absolutely sure, I don't assume the blind person does not already know or at
least suspect something and just has chosen to say/do nothing. If they don't
know I think it is right/'fair' for them to know; I would want to know. Even
as a young child. They should also be a part as a child I think of
determining what is right to resolve it for THEM. This is an important part
of raising a child who experiences prejudice out in society. They have to
learn to discern it and to deal with it and that it is not THEM.

My children have had to deal with prejudice both because of blindness and
blackness. It is heart wrenching to see that innocence be broken in a child
that someone would hurt them or wish them bad because of a disability or
other physical characteristic like skin color; I know it well. But they will
find out sooner or later that prejudice IS aimed at them, and likely will be
for their whole life. It is an opportunity to teach the wrongness and lies
of prejudice. It was not unusual when we would talk about some act that they
would bring up something else they had experienced but never told me of.


It also seems to ignore the obvious in consequences, after all the act was
direct to Kendra; it seems the apology should also be direct to her in my
mind. And as Lenora related after ignorance is educated sometimes they
become a real friend.

 
 
Carrie 
-----Original Message-----
From: blindkid-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:blindkid-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
Behalf Of Kieszak, Stephanie (CDC/CCEHIP/NCEH)
Sent: Wednesday, November 04, 2009 10:08 AM
To: blindkid at nfbnet.org
Subject: [blindkid] Advice needed about school incident

I received this e-mail from my daughter's teacher this morning and don't
really know how to respond. Any suggestions? My gut reaction is that
telling her now doesn't really serve a purpose. Kendra is in first
grade. 
Thank you.
Stephanie

-----Original Message-----
Ms. Kieszak,

Upon my return to school this week, I was informed that on Monday
(11/2),
two students from our class took some of Kendra's food during lunch
without her knowing. The two students received consequences for their
behavior on the day of the incident and further consequences when I
returned. Mrs. XX, our Assistant Principal, also spoke with them. I
wanted to let you know about the situation and to ask for your advice.

Do you think we should tell Kendra what happened? If so, what do you
think
is a good approach to letting her know and by whom (i.e. one of us here
at
school or at home)?


Sincerely, 
Mrs. YY


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