SPED 310 Week 11

The first two days of this week I did not attend class because of the flu. I was really sad to miss out on the case study with my group because they always help me so much in understanding areas I lack in. They were my greatest resource when I came back to class on Friday.
As I was sick I was able to ponder and gather more information for my HWD project. My grandma gave me some amazing insights into PWS as I was able to find more questions as I researched. She helped me realize how much the education system has changed since my Aunt, who had PWS, was a child. She talked about how as a teacher I need to fight for my students to get the services they need and be aware of where to get them. I was able to turn in my HWD project and I am excited to present it to the class. 
Friday we had a presentation from the class about visual impairments. They did a great job helping us do visual simulations with glasses so we could experience what it would be like to have a visual impairment. I was surprised how many people in our classroom have a visual impairment, and I have never had problems with my sight. The whole presentation helped me understand how hard it can be for someone to have a visual impairment to be in  classroom. Sometimes glasses work, and sometimes contacts work, but as teachers we can't assume that if they look normal they aren't struggling with a visual impairment. We must be aware as teachers to see the signs.
We also had a short presentation from Jana about her HWD project on a visual impairment she has been diagnosed with. Her impairment has progressed quickly and she is able to experience the changes and have a new perspective on visual impairments. I like how she told us we can be the difference for our students if we help them and accommodate for them by being their advocate. If we assume, we can't fully understand what that child is going through. Her website is very well designed and has lots of resources for parents and children. We need to BELIEVE our students.