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Guide
for
Inclusion
My son Paul
How do you feel?
Inclusion is very important for the indivual with a disability and also for their relatives. Here is how a few people feel about this.
I have a 22 year old brother with down syndrome called Mark. When I was young I never felt like Mark was any different from any other brother. My parents were absolutely amazing with him and always included him in every single thing that we did together. I therefore grew up having a brother who in my eyes was normal but just needed some extra help and attention. Throughout my childhood we always had someone at home who helped out with Mark and made it easier for my mum to cope with me and my sister. Mark's care givers would always become part of the family and me and my sister always formed a special bond with that person. Growing up we all went to the same school together. At times he used to be quite naughty and used to do some things which did embarrass us. However, we still loved him coming to the same school as us. Mark has grown up to be an amazing person. He loves sports, is extremely sweet natured and is very clever and sharp. I love spending time with him and talking to him. We both work in the same office together so I get to take him home every day for lunch which I love because I get to have a long chat with him in the car. Mark is such a special person and I honestly couldn’t have asked for a better brother than him.
My brother Mark
Myself
My name is Justin Spiteri and I am 25 years old. I have Autism. I work at Mater Dei Hospital as an ECG Technician. I am an actor with Opening Doors and Free Spirits, a Swimmer and a Trekker. I attend different sports groups. I am told I am a lovely, courageous person and enjoy meeting new challenges head on. Society doesn’t see us this way; we are sometimes seen as though we are not capable of doing anything. I believe persons with disabilities should make their own decisions about the friends and their lives, and not leave everything up to the parents. Sports and Drama have helped me to believe in myself more, and also to give courage to others. I have also been able to make more friends which is very important for me. I took a course in health studies at MCAST. I made three amazing and lovely friends this year through my studies who have really helped me grow as a person. They gave me a lot of support and included me in their group. This year was very special thanks to them. Today I am in the health sector working as an ECG technician, checking people’s hearts, and learning to communicate more each day. I also help in the ‘Help Learn’, ‘Autism Parents Association’ and ‘Grupp Flimkien Naslu’ (a community for people with disabilities).
Myself
I have an 11 year old child with down syndrome. I still remember the first time we were informed that we had a child with down syndrome. At first I was surprised, but then as time passed and I saw that my daughter was developing just like any other child. As my child began to grow, she was able to walk, drink, eat and talk just like others. As soon as it was time to send Nicole to school for the first time, we were quite afraid that she won’t be included in class, not only from the children, but also from the LSA and teacher. However this was not the case, Nicole loves to go to school and participate in activities done at school. She loves to dance, sing and dress up! I’m not saying that there weren’t difficult times, but who doesn’t have these? Today Nicole just finished Form 1 and attends a secondary school. I’m sure me and my husband were more worried about this new transition than she was. My daughter has adapted work when necessary, and does adapted examinations. I’m satisfied that she went well in her first year in a new school and thank the school and students for supporting my child.
My daughter Nicole
I have a 12 year old son Paul with slight ADHD. He attends a school where they are not very helpful or understanding to his needs. My son is a bright boy but very fidgety so can be a distraction to a class, instead of giving him a small chore to distract him he is told off in front of a whole class. Luckily my son takes life as it comes to him and makes a joke out of it. This is a protection to himself BUT we do not know what he will feel 20 years down the line. I do worry for him more than I did for my other three children. I feel us as a family, we try our best as we all understand his slight disability. His sisters are all in their twenties so they close an eye and guide him but school does not. In a way I feel school is letting him down and it drains me. I personally feel that no school in Malta is well read about ADHD to be able to deal with such children. ADHD is a very slight disorder which can be dealt with very easily if teachers were more tolerant.
My son Paul
