Promoting disability awareness and sensitivity
Luke, a 15-year old at Clairemont High, is well-known throughout the community. "He was born to be a high school student," states his mother, Joyce Clark. "He's an extremely social guy, a real people magnet." In fact, wherever he is, someone knows him. He and his brother, Jake, can't even walk through the mall without someone waving and stopping to talk to Luke.Luke is the older of two boys. Jake, now 12, idolizes his brother and looks up to him for support and guidance, as any younger brother would. The Clarks have raised their children with a "Can Do" attitude by providing both with choices and opportunities that allow them to reach their full potential. "We recognize both of their strengths, rather than their challenges," repeated Joyce.
As a sports player, Luke prides himself by playing first base on the Challenger Baseball League, a division of Balboa Little League. Challenger is exceptional in its focus on peer support and provides opportunity for competition and the development of individual skills. Children with or without disabilities play on the same team. Last Saturday, Luke won the Special Olympics First Place medal for the freestyle swimming competition.But swimming takes second place to Luke's first love, baseball. At home, he instigates family outings to PETCO Padres Nights. Luke is usually able to charm his dad into the best seats. If he isn't at the game rooting for Trevor Hoffman or the other players, he's at home in front of the television. Just like any other baseball fanatic, Luke can tell you their batting order, the players' RBIs, and who should be MVP.
At the home front, Joyce laughed when asked to explain divvying up house chores between the two boys. Both complain very loudly when asked to take out the garbage, clean their rooms or the patio. Chores, like everything else, is divided between the boys without thought of who has a disability and who doesn't.At a time when many high school students shy away from extracurricular activities, Luke is drawn to participating in them like a bee to honey. Active in yearbook since middle school, he proudly displays his Yearbook Pass, which entitles him to on and offsite photo assignment privileges. With his own digital camera, he aggressively snaps group photos and tape-records personal interviews. Yearbook has been an extremely positive experience, allowing him to contribute in a group setting.
His self-determination makes Luke the perfect social director. Long before the weekend rolls around, he's calling his friends, brainstorming about activities they can do, and making all of the arrangements. Activities include bowling, anything sports-related such as watching school games, and going to the movies. Everything from "Phantom of the Opera" to "Finding Nemo" has been on his list. Last Christmas, Santa brought him tickets to New York to watch "Phantom." "He's quite the traveler," laughed Joyce. "Not only did he practice calling for room and poolside service, he was so versed at it, he wanted it at home."
When Luke was first diagnosed, the Clarks sought immediate help and community support. They were guided to the Down Syndrome Association (DSA), and the Exceptional Family Resource Center (EFRC), which provided them with emotional support, factual information and encouragement. "Our family immediately recognized the true value of the services provided by these organizations, which later led to my employment with EFRC. My husband and I feel strongly about the ability for families to connect, network and offer each other support," stated Joyce.
In case you're wondering if Luke is aware he has a disability, look for him on October 16 at the Buddy Walk. He'll be there raising funds and promoting disability awareness and acceptance. Perhaps Luke's greatest strength is his sense of humor. He enjoys life to the fullest extent with an engaging smile and an infectious laugh."Having a child with a disability has taught our family a greater respect for diversity and how we can be more sensitive and in tune to everyone's uniqueness. After all, everyone has differences, yet we share many things in common," remarked Mrs. Clark.
What can you do?
Focusing on each student's potential is essential to creating a positive environment. Each student, regardless of whether they have a disability, has something to offer. Celebrating diversity and abilities will help encourage input and awareness in your classroom or department.
In honor of Disability Awareness Month, the Communications Department has developed a webpage to facilitate a better understanding of and sensitivity toward the issues and experiences faced by individuals with disabilities.
Included on the webpage are a variety of materials for schools and departments to use, including fact sheets, posters and a newsletter article, as well as sections on "News," "Links," and "Contact Information" to connect you with more information. A bulletin board at the Eugene Brucker Education Center displays posters, fact sheets and newsletters in celebration of our
If you would like more information, please contact Gayle Coonce, Special Education Program Manager, at (858) 490-8500 or gcoonce@sandi.net.