12 Jan 2018
Working with Disabilities
Being Dyslexic and Colour Blind myself I understand how difficult things can be, when seeing other people thrive at things you can not do, understand or even see! Having this background within me, I believe makes me more creative and aware of finding the right approach to get the best out of someone who also maybe experiencing the same as me.
Working with children can always be a challenge, you can not control their actions and thoughts, you can only advise and keep practicing certain skills so that one day they will naturally follow your instructions. Finding the right way to relay this very important information is not as easy as it seems.
Below are a few examples of disabilities I work with on a weekly basis and how I work around them to make sure we improve and develop the way that is right for them.
ADHD – Effects concentration and being able to control their behaviour and hyperactivity. Working with someone who has these quality’s takes patience and persistence. Spotting this can be a challenge due to most children getting excited about going swimming, and being distracted by others within the pool. Working around this can be easier than most believe, using a balanced teaching structure of blending personal time with controlled time works for me and the children I currently teach. The personal time allows the child to get excited, and see what is going around them, while the controlled time allows me to get what I require from them to improve their swimming ability. Going forward might take a bit longer, but we will reach the end goal.
Dyspraxia – Decreases the ability of muscle movement and co-ordination. This can also effect language, speech and learning. Making the most of the time I have with a child I believe has Dyspraxia can be challenging at times, which is why when I teach my favourite number is three. I use number three to allow mistakes to happen, to give feedback and ensure they follow the structure of safety, technique and enjoyment. Also, giving them an opportunity to talk to me about their week or what they have been doing can improve their concentration, memory and speech. I do not just want to improve their swimming, but their all round abilities and qualities to make them a more confident and positive adult in the future.
These two disabilities are a handful of what I work with on a daily basis, and no way do I think these ‘disabilities’ decrease a child’s ability. I have found, having Dyslexia I struggle with reading and writing however, my building and creative elements are stronger and more refined to people who do not have dyslexia. Yes a disability can give you some subtractions when compared to someone who doesn’t have a disability, however it will give you additional traits that other people will not have. All I can recommend, is believe in yourself and do what you are good at.
