As an elementary special education major, I have began to learn a lot about working with children who have disabilities. I think some of the most important things to keep in mind when working with a child who has a rare disorder like Rebecca, is flexibility, compassion, and treating the child with the same care and drive you would any other child. One of the first things I have learned working in the field is flexibility. Being flexible, adaptable, and open-minded is key when developing support plans. No two children are the same, especially children with disabilities as their support needs can vary significantly. Understanding that what worked with one child may not work with another, and being ready and willing to adapt to provide the best form of support to each individual child is critical. Also, just because a child has a disability does not make them undeserving of the same respect, care, and treatment any other child would receive. Many children with disabilities are capable to participate in everyday activities with the right support, and taking the time to fully understand their need's, and believe in them, is essential.
When working with a child who has a rare disorder like Rebecca, I would use many different methods and approaches in order to reach, teach, and care for them in a successful and appropriate manner.
First, I would develop an individualized support plan unique to the child's needs, modifying instruction, using multiple modes of instruction, and building on their strengths. Using multiple modes of teaching and instruction is extremely important in being able to successfully reach and teach individuals with disabilities, such as visual and auditory aids, as well different methods of hands on learning that cater towards their abilities. Also, I believe one of, if not the most, important method in being able to reach and teach a child with a rare disorder / disability is embracing who they are, seeing the child as a whole person not just from a point of view of their challenges. Embracing who they are instills a sense of belonging creating a foundation that allows the child to prosper. This is also critical in a classroom setting as modeling acceptance among peers fosters inclusion, which is proven to play a huge role in the success of a child with disabilities.
Lastly, I believe that family plays a huge role in the education and progress of a disabled child. A child's family is often their number one support system, and without having a strong family support system a child with a disability may never even begin to receive the help they need. Families play a vital part in advocating for their child, acting as a voice to ensure their child's needs are heard and met. While having support in school is great, having a good support system outside of school allows for the child to continue to foster and thrive, reinforcing skills, encouraging their child, and further boosting their confidence. Overall, a child with a disability, no matter how extreme or not, deserves to have an encouraging and nurturing family environment that will do all that they can to provide for them and allow their child to thrive in the best way possible.