Ten things that people say to teachers of disabled kids

We’ve had two Top Tens sent to us recently by teachers of disabled people. It seems they too are vulnerable to the disability cliché …

by Ouch reader Anne Krisman

• “You must be so patient.”
• “I could never do your job.”
• “They’re such loving kids though, aren’t they?”
• “But how can you teach them anything?”
• “I bet their parents find it difficult.”
• “Don’t you miss the clever ones?”
• “There’s one who always says hello to me down my road.”
• “Do you have a Variety Club minibus?”
• “They love going to the seaside, don’t they?”
• “What happens to them when they leave school?”

Ten things that people say to teachers of disabled adults

The second Top Ten is from a reader who teaches disabled adults.
Spot the similarities!

by Ouch reader Judith Lisgarten

• “What a wonderful person you must be to work with people like that.”
• “You must be an amazing person.”
• “You must be incredibly patient.”
• “I don”t mean to be funny, but can you actually teach them anything?”
• “I wouldn’t mind teaching someone a bit disabled, but not THAT disabled.”
• “How on earth can anyone communicate with someone who can’t talk?”
• “What is the point of teaching people who will never be able to work?”
• “Wouldn’t you prefer to teach people who are clever?”
• “I don’t suppose you can call it teaching; it’s a vocational calling.”
• “It must be good working with disabled people – they are always so loveable and cuddly.”

Taken from: http://www.bbc.co.uk/ouch