TRIBUTE to My Students ....
"TRIBUTE TO MY STUDENTS": A TIMELINE
In 1975 – I was employed at Gristedes supermarket, part-time after school as a cashier. There was a perplexing “Red head” young lady who at the time was referred to as “mentally retarded”. As part of her daily routine – she would come into the store with her father on a daily basis and make a one item purchase. She was always very friendly. She would smile and say “hello”, touch my hand and blow me a kiss. One day however, she suddenly struck me across my back. It was a very powerful blow. Her father immediately dragged her out of the store and later returned by himself to apologize to me for his “redhead” daughter’s behavior. He explained that she had simply been trying to get my attention, but I was busy and did not notice her. She became upset and ran off the grocery line, went behind me and struck me! That’s when I decided I needed to know more and chose special education
as my course of study.
In 1980 - I did my student teaching at The Center for the Multiply-Handicapped. Although I enjoyed my job there, I didn’t find anyone like my “redhead” girlfriend!
In 1981 – I was employed as a classroom teacher in one of the first classes for children with autism in NY (Brooklyn). No one really knew……
•
“What is autism?”
“What is autism?”•“What is the etiology? What causes autism?”
“What is the etiology? What causes autism?”•“How do you cure autism?”
“How do you cure autism?”In 2008 - Here we are 26 years later and the questions remain unanswered.
•“What is the etiology? What causes autism?”
“What is the etiology? What causes autism?”•“How do you cure autism?”
“How do you cure autism?”My mission:
To create awareness about special individuals and to create acceptance while looking for answers to the causes and treatments for significant improvement overall.
I WALK for Autism Research to be hopeful for answers. I walk for my six kids (Ohra, Wayne, Damien, Carmelo; Richard and Victor) from my 1981 class)!
I walk for: Leiby, Cory, Cindy, Jonathan, Joey and William
I walk for: Chinere, Paul, Danielle, Giselle, Karen and Jamal
I walk for: Giovanni, Tommy, David, Eli, Pedro and Dana
I walk for: Carlos, Kevin, Gigi, Gregory, Anthony and Kenny
Etc. - too many over the years, too many kids!
My mission along with the mission of everyone here is not only to create awareness, but also to expand our understanding of the diversity of people on the autism spectrum while educating the world about the abilities and opportunities to encourage advancement in every human beyond their individual challenges.
I recently curated an art exhibition at the UN and at the MCC in honor of World Autism Awareness.
The participating artists shared their contributions with the world as an extension of this message……. to “train the talent” and to foster independence.
….to create general opportunities for self-growth toward meaningful and independent lives by strengthening relationships and expanding opportunities for individuals with developmental challenges to contribute to society educationally, socially, culturally and economically.
Autism is a complex brain disorder that inhibits a person’s ability to communicate and develop social relationships, and is often accompanied by extreme behavioral challenges. Many of these artists express themselves through their art.
Autism is a health crisis that knows no geographic or political boundaries and demands an immediate global response. Autism Speaks is dedicated to increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders and its effects on individuals, families, and society; and to funding global biomedical research into the causes, prevention, treatments, and cure for autism.
We must believe that by working together, we will find the missing pieces of the puzzle. This year the United Nations officially designated April 2nd as “World Autism Awareness Day” in perpetuity. This is a wonderful testimonial and tribute to the growing awareness and to the global proportions of autism.
In conclusion, however I would like to express that the real tribute will be the eventual consequence of our WALKS. I WALK so that the day will come when there is no longer a need for a day like World Autism Awareness Day or for a WALK for Autism Research because we will have the answers to our questions!
Rosa
