Interview with Friend A 12:49 pm 4/20/17 I knew Friend A since I was 8 years old. She was diagnosed with ADHD at a young age. She is a writer of horror and fantasy both in online role-play and in short stories she writes on her own time. Friend A is a cool person only cause she is able to be calm in the most unlikely of situations and is able to relate well with any person of a different culture.
Have you ever felt misunderstood by other people? Hmmmm, kind of? I have definitely encountered people who didn't really have a firm grasp on the disability, and they just assumed certain things. But, at the same time, I've had sooooo much support, and a lot of encouragement throughout my life, which has really helped out. People are always going to have their own take of particular subjects, so it's understandable that they would come to various conclusions and form misconceptions surrounding the disability. It was definitely more of an issue when I was younger, but never really bothered me.
Do you think that people with disability should be separate from other people and out in special education? Or do you think that it wouldn't be a good idea?
I believe that everyone should be given an equal chance to test things out, should they choose it. Of course there are disabilities that inhibit certain brain and motor functions, but that's what resource centers are for. They are so so so many resources out there that people with disabilities can access, and they really do help! So I say go for it, and stick with what /you/ want to do.
How do you approach the writing process? What strategies do you use?
Let's see...I suppose it all depends on what I'm writing. If it's an essay, I'll try writing about something that interests me, and then I'll get started on an outline to help me better gather/organize my thoughts. Outlines are GREAT for organization, or bullet points for main ideas, or key terms that you want to use. It's also good to try and focus of writing about something that you're interested in, so that you don't lose motivation.
What strategies have you used to get through a stressful situation be it academic, social or both?
Hmmmmm, taking breaks and focusing on something else is always a good strategy in my opinion. Also placing your focus on another project that you're working on, looking at something fresh, and then coming back to it later on. In terms of social situations, I tend to just not get into stressful issues. If I do, I'll attempt to control and settle down whatever the problem is as quickly as possible so that it's not on my mind all day. Watching funny videos, or just making yourself laugh is another good way to relieve stress
What is the big takeaway you want teachers to understand about having a student with learning disabilities in the classroom - from your perspective?
Just to understand that having a disability can be very challenging, and to try and help them out whenever they can. It's very mind easing when you know that someone else has your back.
Interview with Friend B 2:37 pm 4/20/17 I met Friend B in middle school. I had a hard time understanding her at first and she likewise didn't like me either. We soon became fast friends and have stayed close for years. She is a avid book lover, a Percy Jackson / Harry Potter fan and a writer. She is also has ADHD and Noverbal Learning Disorder.
Have you ever felt misunderstood by other people?
Yeah but only in the sense of with non verbal learning they group me with Autism when I'm not on the spectrum. With ADD I do sometime but most people are pretty understanding.
What strategies have you used to get through a stressful situation be it academic, social or both?
Deep breathing talking it out with friend and family talking walks( and curling under a blanket to cry when I need to) I will also watch funny videos. Also petting animals helps me a lot or snuggling with stuffed animals. Sometimes drawing as well.
How do you approach the writing process? What strategies do you use?
I write everything then go back sleep check and grammar the best I can.I'm shy but I will have friends look it over who I trust. For creative writing for school papers I ALLWAYS have someone look it over became apa is of the devil. (You don't have to record the last part of you don't want.)to I also have it looked over because I want other people to read over anything I miss.
Do you think that people with disability should be separate from other people and out in special education? Or do you think that it wouldn't be a good idea?
That's a tough question I feel they need to be with peers because a support group is important and many of them do need 101 help so it depends on the person I like the support that my school provides for me it really does help me out with accommodation by t I don't have a disability where I need to be separated I had math tutoring but that's different.
What is the big takeaway you want teachers to understand about having a student with learning disabilities in the classroom - from your perspective?
I want teachers to recognize students with disabilities will need extra guidance and they need to make sure they get the 1 on 1 time they need to be successful they should keep in mind their minds work differently and have the accommodations they need but not underestimate their abilities in the classroom and try to have them with the other students as often as possible. This coming from a future teacher who helped students with autism.