Food for Thought – November 3, 2014 Edition
So here’s the deal: I post just a few things to read each week in case you’re looking for something to read and also because I think they’re important or have moved me in some way. Sharing is caring and all that. I also understand that your time is limited and your reading list may be full. That’s totally fine.
But this week, I’m posting just two articles that left me saying, “Yes. This. Exactly. Preach sisters.” Pretty please read them.
What’s Her Name? – Tanya Marlow at She Loves.
The last time I was at that conference, I came as a speaker. I was the one at the front, and people had looked me in the eye and asked my opinion on matters of theology. This time, even people who had known me for years didn’t recognise me because I was sitting in a wheelchair, and some found it hard to meet my gaze.
False Negatives: Evaluations of Functionally “Nonverbal” Children – Dana Nieder at Uncommon Sense. Make sure you read to the punch line at the end which will leave you banging your head on your desk.
Parents, you cannot believe these numbers….
Not only will believing the numbers send you down some sort of spiral-of-terrible-feelings, but believing them will change your expectations for your child. The numbers will change what you believe your child is capable of, they will plant seeds of poisonous doubt, and they will corrode your ability to presume competence. If you have a child who doesn’t speak, one of your biggest, constant jobs in life will be to advocate for their people to believe in them . . . so if you start to lower your expectations, others will follow.
Plus, really, the numbers are garbage.
And because you took the time to do that for me, I leave you with this bonus picture. Aidan goes shopping with his class and he had to buy himself a snack. He chose well, wouldn’t you say?