If we want the people we love to be connected to others and a part of their society as adults, we must think about their relationships when they are children. Their classmates and neighbors will grow into their coworkers and friends later in life.
Integrated classrooms and recreational activities are important first steps: in these settings children with and without disabilities get to meet each other. But many parents have found that even though their child is integrated in school, she or he has few non-disabled friends.
Many individuals with disabilities live largely in a world made up of their family, the people who take care of or provide services to them, and others in the programs they participate in. These relationships can clearly be significant and should be encouraged. But outside of family members, people may have no freely given and chosen relationships.
Relationships with those that are disabled shouldn't be viewed as burdensome or demanding, but as enriching and fulfilling. The level of care that comes of it truly constitutes as "unconditional love".
Shawn, how do you get your friend to tell you the truth?
ReplyDeleteSay they're acting really weird (and this has happened to me multiple times... Worried) and they won't laugh at jokes and avoid all your questions. But when you ask them if they're okay, or what's wrong, they just say they're fine when they're obviously not, or they tell me to just stop worrying. What should I do...?
Depending on whether it is a guy or a girl, there could be several reasons why he/she acts weird around you. If it is a guy, which I am presuming it is; it means he wants to tell you something, but is afraid to. The reasons for the fear can vary from he likes you to he's withholding information that can hurt you. If it is a girl, it could mean she is mad at you or upset over something of which you may or may not have been at fault for. The advice I have for both is the same though, allow events to play out. If you get desperate for information, talking to them isn't a bad idea.
ReplyDeleteAh... okay. Thanks. I know one doesn't like me, he has a girlfriend, and I doubt the other one does, so... You're probably right on the second one. =/ Helpful, although not at all reassuring! I guess I'll just see what happens... > < Thanks again, though.
ReplyDeleteYeah, tell me what happens and I will advise you from there. If anything at all changes, let me know. Do you happen to like any of them? If you do, you may show it too much so it makes them nervous. Good luck :]
ReplyDeleteOh.
ReplyDeleteHaha.
That... might make sense.
Since I happen to be a slutty little flirter. :O
I guess I'll turn the heat down. ;]
And I will. :D Thanks! <3
Yeah, your thermostat may be a little too high. :]
ReplyDeleteWell, I'm basically my best friend's first girl friend (space noted) ever... So before last year, he never really hung out with girls. Ever. So he's awkward. And the other one is just a shy kid. > < So cute. But yop. [x
ReplyDeleteNow, two conversations are really weird, so I'll just stop now and go bother some boys on my buddylist and talk to you on MSN. :O Thanks for the advice. You're good. xP