(so I do believe that people are well intentioned, yet they can be so insensitive. The other day my youngest son was staying after school for "crew." The teachers offered a snack for students who may not have brought one. Due to his life threatening allergies, he always has his own snack.
He couldn't remember which teacher said it, but he distinctly remembered their wording. "Who has a food allergy? We have cuties for you." While appreciate that they had a safe snack for students with food allergies, it could have been managed differently. They just blatantly yelled this across a room of 70 some students. I asked him, did any other children say they had allergies..."No just me." In their mission to ensure physical safety they missed the boat on emotional safety. They didn't think about how that could make the one child in the room with food allergies feel isolated, starred at and excluded from the group. I equate what they said to someone saying something like "if you have a learning disability, this book is for you.” You just wouldn't say that to anyone. It could have been just as easy to say "if you have any concerns about the snack, please ask or we have Cuties here for anyone with food restrictions." I have worked very hard for him feel included in everything in relationship with his food allergies. I have to say that was a disappointment, especially since he has a 504 plan specifically for his food allergies (so they should have already known). This situation tells me I need to continue educating those around him.
2 Comments
Lisa Goldman
3/8/2019 10:55:29 pm
I am sorry to hear that people are so insensitive, especially about a topic that effects so many people. All you (we) can continue to do is educate others just as you said.
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Shelly
3/11/2019 09:43:26 pm
Thanks Lisa, again, I don't think it is malicious it is really just not knowing because they haven't been in our position.
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AuthorI have worked in social work for over 25 years. The past 19 years have been within an elementary school setting. Archives
March 2022
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