Amy OKeefe

EDU 321
Dr. Kemmery
11/19/2014
Guest Speaker Reflection Paper
Mrs. Coleman came to talk to our class on Monday, November 17 to share her story in
learning to adjust to a child with a disability. She began the story from the beginning before her
daughter Emily was born. Emily is the second child of the family, which was actually a blessing
in helping her to receive early intervention. Mrs. Coleman was more familiar with the
development of children because this was her second child. As she observed Emily getting
older, it became difficult for the family because of her lack of tracking and social responses.
Later, she was slow to sit up like a typical child of her age. This caused great concern for Mrs.
Coleman, and added stress to the family. The pediatrician did not help ease the stress because of
the denial of Emily's delays. It took a great deal of work and advocating on the part of the
Coleman family in order for Emily to receive the intervention she deserved. Through the
unrelenting work of the family, though, Emily was well educated.
Walking with Mrs. Coleman through the story of Emilys life helped to bring a first
person perspective to the emotions felt by a family who has a child with a disability. She talked
about the stress and the fear that were experienced upon first discovering that their child was
developmentally delayed. While she was speaking, I was able to put myself in her perspective
and empathize with that stress and fear. It was interesting to hear her perspective of the
pediatrician and preschool teachers, who disagreed that Emily was delayed. Hearing this helped
me to realize what parents are going through in the early stages of intervention. As a future

teacher, I want to be able to empathize with the parents I meet and understand the stress and fear
they are experiencing.
As a future educator, hearing Mrs. Colemans story helped in several other ways. One of
the major themes of her talk was the importance of advocating for students with disabilities.
Emily's family served as a great advocate throughout her schooling. Through their relentless
efforts, they received a diagnosis, allowing her to be accepted into special education programs.
Also, Mrs. Coleman fought for Emilys right to attend an Extended Year Program, which
continued the interventions received in the school year into the summer. Without these efforts,
Emily would not be the person she is today. Emily was also greatly helped through different
after school programs, such as dance and Rotary Camp. Mrs. Coleman described how this had a
huge impact on Emilys learning to be more agile and social. Hearing of Emilys success in
these activities helped me to realize that students with special needs can and should get involved
with their community. As a future educator, I want to learn about the programs near my area that
would be beneficial for my students with special needs. Teachers can also be an advocate for
their students, and being more aware of the available programs helps us to fulfill this role.
Another important theme discussed by Mrs. Coleman was the importance of the Catholic
faith through all of the stress and hardship. The family returned to the faith after Emilys birth,
and this renewal gave the family the grace and strength to love and support Emily as she
deserved. One of my favorite moments during the talk was when Mrs. Coleman described an
experience she had at adoration where she had a vision of Emily in heaven. This was a moment
of grace following all of the stress of diagnoses and interventions. As a teacher, it is important
to remember the dignity of every human individual, especially those with disabilities. As Mrs.
Coleman said, these children have a more direct connection with God stemming from a childlike

innocence and faith that cannot be replicated. This is a lesson to me, not only as a future teacher,
but as a woman of the Catholic faith. There are things to be learned from all individuals placed
on this earth by God. It is important to remember that each life is a gift, no matter their ability
level.