Tuesday, June 24, 2008

The Best Special Education School in America


I work at the Best Special Ed School in America. I work with amazing people who give their hearts and lives to provide love and dignity everyday for the most Severely Handicapped students. We have many students that are non-verbal, and wheelchair bound, g-tube fed, tracheostomy, cathetered, fed pureed food, you get the idea. But the sparkle in their eyes and thier way of communication is amazing. You are the one who learns how to communicate with their hearts and minds. I know they are perfect spirits inside bodies with limitations. I can't wait to see them in perfected bodies in an Eternal realm.

Today was our graduation and promotion ceremonies and awards assembly. Our students are ages 3 to 22. We only had one actual graduate who leaves us at the age of 22. Every one of the 76 students receives an end of the year award to truly celebrate their accomplishments for the year. Here is a sample of some of their accomplishments....



Learning Braille, Getting back into the school routine after spinal surgery, Lengthening the utterance of vocalizing. Learning to look up for yes and down for no. Making choices using picture cards. 'Habit' or toilet training (at the age of 18). Bearing weight, and taking first steps at 5 years of age. These children and their teachers and Instructional assistants are incredible. I am blessed being in their presence daily, they are a joy in my life.

15 comments:

Kat said...

This post was so touching. What awesome kids and what a blessing to be apart of their lives.

Grammy Staffy said...

Those special kids are lucky to have a loving, kind, understanding person like you to help them.

Thank you for this wonderful, touching post.

Kris said...

I understand exactly! I have worked in special education. You seem to be more appreciative of the things we take for granted when you realize that these kids have WORKED HARD to be able to take a step or shake and nod their head. Thanks for reminding me!

Caroline Haring said...

How lucky you are to work with these special spirits. It really is amazing how in the end you feel like they've helped you more than you've helped them. Congratulations to them all!

Emily said...

Thanks for sharing Sheryl! It touched me and that is so nice your job has so much meaning!

Lauri said...

I taught high school special ed for 9 weeks. I was a little apprehensive about it before I began but I found it was one of the most rewarding teaching experiences I have had. It's also rather draining so those who do it day in and day out year after year are truly saints.

Heidi said...

SO AWESOME!!! thanks for sharing that! I MISS those kids!

Traci Elizabeth said...

I worked in a home with severely handicapped children for about 3 years...I loved it. Even when it got hard it was such a blessing. I think working with those children has made me a better mother. Thanks for sharing those pictures, it brought back a lot of memories!

Sundbergs said...

That post was beautiful. YOu are such a special person who knows how to help others. What a blessing to be in their lives and for them to have you in theirs.

Barbra said...

What a great job you have!!!!
Those kids are beautiful!!!

Carolyn Baggett said...

you are a saint sis. holmes!!! those kids are lucky to have you around!

Todd Family said...

I love that post! My sister worked with the disabled for 5 or so years at ontario high school and she was blown away by the impace they had on her life. you are a very special lady!

Chrissie said...

Looks like you work for a pretty amazing cause as well! What special spirits you get to be around. I am sure they all love you as much as I do!

Christensen Family said...

I got my (Holli) degree in Special Education and have a special place in my heart for those kids. Very touching. I wish there were better facilities here in Tremonton (and area) for Emily. What a great school to work at!

Jenn said...

These kids are so special! You are lucky to be able to work with them every day.