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Hidden disabilities

This is a draft... some ideas thrown on the page: to be developed!  THe English is far too complex, and needs simplifying!

 We think we know others, but we only see what is visible.  Some are better at 'reading' others, more sensitive to subtle signals. 

How many aspects do we hide, or are not reflected in our body language: feelings,  pain, perception, thoughts...

Disadvantages can occur becasue of many conditions.  Some are visible to others, not easily hidden.  Others can be hidden, are not noticed until we draw attention and inform others.  Most of us would like to be ordinary, part of the crowd, the same as everyone.  Only when coping mechanisms fail, when we need assistance should we ask for support.  

 When someone 'looks normal', they may be putting a lot of effort into developing suitable ways.  How can a teacher understand what a learner needs?  how they can suggest alternatives? that the learner can be responsible for their learning? that the learner needs to learn how to explain what the teacher needs to know to make English accessible

Someone who works in non-standard ways often has to put extra energy to succeed in a 'standard' system, that is not inclusive and assumes 'everyone is normal'.  An inaccessible city/ building can mean some students will arrive tired (after a challenging journey simply to get to class), or it is much more tiring for a lip reader to follow a conversation/ lecture/ discussion than for hearing participants [just as it is requires more effort to read than to listen to a text; but in lip reading some sounds produce similar lip shapes and look the same, and other sounds are not seen 'in the lips', so lip reading is at best a partial reflection of what is said]. 

 

Pain, so difficult to measure, affects concentration.  Many conditions involve pain, which can fluctuate with internal or external factors.  Motivation, belief one can succeed, interest help to retain concentration.

Some students may live with constant pain, pain killers having no effect after excessive use.  If you ask how are you, one may answer "Better than usual".  Living, and studying, under these conditions requires much more determination
Last Updated ( Monday, 02 June 2008 )
 
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