tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-401303964563152307.post6499877945552048676..comments2024-03-17T12:02:12.410-04:00Comments on Love That Max : Should kids with special needs get special sports treatment?Ellen Seidmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01433429847255621203noreply@blogger.comBlogger34125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-401303964563152307.post-34545199060985823682015-01-16T20:28:06.412-05:002015-01-16T20:28:06.412-05:00Involve your boys in football! Cynthia CherokeInvolve your boys in football! Cynthia CherokeAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-401303964563152307.post-65451027572393641632015-01-16T20:27:14.871-05:002015-01-16T20:27:14.871-05:00Special needs or not. Play the game and let the ch...Special needs or not. Play the game and let the child play football hard. If you can make the choice for him do so! Cynthia Chetoke Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-401303964563152307.post-59903016035994110612014-10-27T10:48:12.785-04:002014-10-27T10:48:12.785-04:00This reply is a year late, but I have 2 great stor...This reply is a year late, but I have 2 great stories to tell. First, my daughter is a freshmen in high school. She plays percussion in the band. Oh, she also has Down Syndrome. They just finished marching band season. The percussion teacher wrote a part for her, playing the wind chimes. She did a great job at each performance. She was in the "pit", the percussion section down in front. She had a great time! She made many friends and gained a lot of confidence. Her part was not essential to the program, but she was totally included and felt like she was one of the band members.<br /><br />Second, she has played soccer on a regular rec league team. Over the years the coaches have made various accommodations for her, like she was an extra player on the field, frequent breaks as needed, etc. It has been a great experience! She has made many friends. Kids have not seemed to mind having her on their team. I still have kids come up and say they remember playing with her in grade school. <br /><br />At the end of one game several years ago the referee called a penalty and indicated she would get a penalty kick. We were really confused about what was happening. The players all lined up. The other team substituted the goalie; the girl who went in is a good friend of ours. My daughter kicked the ball, the goalie missed, and she got a goal. Only later did we realize it was a "set up" between the coaches, the ref, and the goalie, so that our daughter could make a goal. People still talk about it, especially my daughter. That day she was a champion. She does not expect that to happen again, but has a great memory.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-401303964563152307.post-47437695007808794032014-01-22T20:03:52.375-05:002014-01-22T20:03:52.375-05:00I'm autistic and I play the flute. I do not ne...I'm autistic and I play the flute. I do not need noise reduction because internalize the pulse. Chair positions do not matter to be because it's simply enough to be in band.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10616282351291824392noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-401303964563152307.post-10931668908261259552014-01-15T18:44:01.614-05:002014-01-15T18:44:01.614-05:00When it comes to enabling kids with disabilities t...When it comes to enabling kids with disabilities to participate in sports or other programs for which they would not ordinarily qualify, I think the most important question for everyone to ask themselves is, "Do our plans here involve any sort of lying to or misleading this child?" If the message is something like: "We and you understand that you are not able to participate fully in this type of event ... but we like and respect you, and we'd like to recognize you by giving you a taste of what it's like to run a touchdown" ... then I'd be fine with it. My concern is that schools and students arrange these things without much consideration and critical thinking ... just warm fuzzies.apulranghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16133974049950425863noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-401303964563152307.post-1849712290358238392013-11-06T08:57:33.434-05:002013-11-06T08:57:33.434-05:00Hi, Anonymous. Your comment that, yes, of course, ...Hi, Anonymous. Your comment that, yes, of course, the catcher should have thrown her out is wrong. The catcher has several choices for that play. Hold the ball to check the runners (maybe the runner on third was trying to get a steal, too), ignore the steal from Sarah Kate and throw back to the pitcher, or attempt to gun the runner going for second (Sarah Kate). Totally depends on the situation of how many outs, how many people on base, the score, etc. Trying to throw the runner out at second is not "the most common outcome." <br /><br />Maybe the catcher's coach told her to ignore the steal. It's called Defensive Indifference. The runner is allowed to "steal," but it is not recorded as a steal in the stats. Look it up. Happens all the time in baseball. Part of the strategy. That's much more likely than the "pity base" you seem to think Andi's daughter was given. <br /> <br />All that the catcher robbed Sarah Kate of is a tick in her stolen bases column. Bradhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14957315621279797144noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-401303964563152307.post-52353695599554930962013-11-02T09:57:48.465-04:002013-11-02T09:57:48.465-04:00I have such mixed views and emotions about this po...I have such mixed views and emotions about this post. I've been in the bleachers and felt good about the way a child with special needs was allowed to make a basket. It was an incredibly heartwarming experience. And I could see that the other students who encouraged this young man were thrilled. But you are right. It cannot go on forever. It's one day. After, will they expect the moment to repeat itself? Yet, even with the most gifted athletes, there are only a few sports or other "moments" that truly stand out in their memory, i.e. the last basket within 1 second before the final bell sounds, the touchdown within seconds of the last quarter, a caught ball that seals a win, etc.<br /><br />When my kids were little (in the 80s) I was all for each kid winning a trophy at the end of the season. Now I'm not sure if that is such a good idea. Part of a parents job is teaching kids that there are winners and losers in sports and in the game of life. I think it is more important to teach them that they should work hard and be proud of the effort that they put into any endeavor. And if/when they lose, we need to be there to show them that losing isn't the end of the world. (Not that this is what this post is about.) <br /><br />I wasn't sure if you meant when you said that if Max asked to play on a football team if you were only referring to special needs teams or if you were thinking of a "regular" team. My daughter had wanted to play basketball on the high school team. That wouldn't have been possible for so many reasons, but one that I was most concerned with was that she might get hurt due to her disability. I didn't want to take that chance. But in the back of my mind, I also didn't want her pulling down the team (not that she would have ever made the team in the first place. I may sound unsupportive, but I can assure you that we supported everything Lindsey really wanted to do in life). We ultimately found other ways for her to get to play basketball. Some parents of children with special needs say they don't want their kids to be treated differently. Until they do want them to be treated differently--i.e. accepted on a "regular" team. I guess I don't see anything wrong with learning to accept your limitations (if you have them--and just like typical people must do, i.e. at 5'5", as much as I'd love to be a swimsuit model for Sports Illustrated, it just isn't going to happen and I'm certainly not into starving myself to achieve that goal :-) ). I don't think a kid with special needs should be accepted on a regular team if the average player isn't also accepted to play on the regular team. Some kids make it and other's don't. <br /><br />Anyway, you always write thought-provoking blogs and I love reading them. Not sure if my comment makes a lot of sense--but I do love seeing these special events where someone gets to shine in the spotlight--but it also concerns me because it cannot be sustained. out One Ear - Linda Atwellhttp://outoneear.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-401303964563152307.post-19092677354684962013-11-01T18:51:40.450-04:002013-11-01T18:51:40.450-04:00I have zero athletic skills, but I'm a flute p...I have zero athletic skills, but I'm a flute player. I'm fine with not being the featured soloist because I'm just grateful to be in band. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-401303964563152307.post-60360531434453056712013-10-31T17:58:56.376-04:002013-10-31T17:58:56.376-04:00We play unified football with Special Olympics at ...We play unified football with Special Olympics at Gillette Stadium. My son who is not handycapped played too. They were a team. My son was picked up like a rag doll and hugged and spun around after they won by an athlete. He loved it. I don't know much about this argument of right or wrong to allow Special Athletes to participate in High School Sports. I do think the sport the athlete chooses should reflect their abilities and if it doesn't Special Olympics will make sure it does. That's what we do. Let me give you an analogy. As a Intramural Basketball coach from 3 grade right thru 8 grade. I played at the level of my kids to encourage them and teach them to get better. I certainly didn't believe I was insulting them by not playing my hardest. I taught them one skill at a time. If they preformed it right they kicked my butt. Slowly I brought up the level of play and encouraged them all the way. An honest question here because I don't know. What is the difference between those kids on the high school team encouraging an athlete to do their best on the field and me as a coach letting those same High School kids years back kick my butt in hoop. I had no intent of insulting and yes I lied by bragging how bad they beat me. THey loved the sport. Some weren't good enough to play varsity and settled for intrameural and unfortunetly some just stopped playing. They found where they belonged as our Special athletes do in Special Olympics. This article poses an interesting delema. I have a Special needs child and she like to hang with the kids. They like her and play down to her. She competes at her own level in Special Olympics and those same kids coach her.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-401303964563152307.post-75217209076850141912013-10-31T02:50:37.833-04:002013-10-31T02:50:37.833-04:00I too agree with this. Each child has a gift, disa...I too agree with this. Each child has a gift, disabled or not and we should focus on those gifts/talents and as teachers/parents help to lead in the right direction. Although heartwarming I'm not for everyone making the team or given special treatment no matter your situation. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-401303964563152307.post-40250914601248135302013-10-31T02:41:01.906-04:002013-10-31T02:41:01.906-04:00My thoughts exactly. My thoughts exactly. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-401303964563152307.post-56082908443655792542013-10-30T10:29:33.210-04:002013-10-30T10:29:33.210-04:00This blog took the words right out my mouth! This blog took the words right out my mouth! Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01378036633716899940noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-401303964563152307.post-66158332642884428362013-10-30T09:58:55.422-04:002013-10-30T09:58:55.422-04:00Because the assumption here was the the catcher/pi...Because the assumption here was the the catcher/pitcher would succeed and that Sarah Kate would fail. LIke you noted the throw could have missed, been overthrown, been dropped, etc and Sarah Kate may have successfully stolen second base. If Sarah Kate was thrown out at second which is the most common outcome of the tactic then just like everyone else, she tried. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-401303964563152307.post-29974906429028353872013-10-30T07:18:38.121-04:002013-10-30T07:18:38.121-04:00I get what you mean Ellen it's like pity inclu...I get what you mean Ellen it's like pity inclusion i'm concerned about it too.Nishahttp://nisha360.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-401303964563152307.post-85682039693545812612013-10-29T22:53:19.941-04:002013-10-29T22:53:19.941-04:00it teaches them to whine to get what they want b/c...it teaches them to whine to get what they want b/c others will feel "sorry" for themAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-401303964563152307.post-57273230164017724792013-10-29T22:48:20.501-04:002013-10-29T22:48:20.501-04:00well saidwell saidAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-401303964563152307.post-65021408117239896872013-10-29T22:25:58.266-04:002013-10-29T22:25:58.266-04:00I agree 100%. We need to focus more on what child...I agree 100%. We need to focus more on what children can do and follow those paths. Common core will not help this at all. Everyone has gifts and talents. A good teacher will help children discover those talents. Your Therapy Source Inchttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06145002317929388735noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-401303964563152307.post-81737369801003344182013-10-29T22:21:35.027-04:002013-10-29T22:21:35.027-04:00Happy to read your response and your similar exper...Happy to read your response and your similar experiences with Cross Country. After I wrote my comment I had wished I spoke more about the Special Olympics and the opportunities it provides for all participants - athletes and coaches. Well put! Your Therapy Source Inchttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06145002317929388735noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-401303964563152307.post-35702677339558610382013-10-29T20:56:33.831-04:002013-10-29T20:56:33.831-04:00As an outsider who wasn't there and has heard ...As an outsider who wasn't there and has heard only a few details, it may seem that way to you, but (and I rarely use this phrase in combox replies), You Are Wrong.<br /><br />These same girls have played with Sarah Kate for four seasons and they are no "gimmes" for her. She doesn't use a pinch runner (though she could) and many times she's been the "easy out" because she was so slow. She doesn't ask for special favors, and she doesn't get them - not in practice, and not in games.<br /><br />What great opportunity did she miss out on by being given - for once - an extra second or two because the pitcher hesitated?<br /><br />And though it's not relevant to the main point, I'll also posit an extra thought: if you've ever watched 10U girls rec league softball - not travel ball, just the fun kind - you'd know that throwing her out wasn't a given. Not by a long shot.<br /><br />Andi at BringingtheSunshine.comhttp://www.bringingthesunshine.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-401303964563152307.post-26666414042815841672013-10-29T19:54:16.209-04:002013-10-29T19:54:16.209-04:00Let Me Win, but if I can not win let Me be Brave i...Let Me Win, but if I can not win let Me be Brave in the Attempt. This is what it's all about, and let's not forget about it. As Always Sam aka Paul's Dad. BTW Paul is A Special Olympian.<br />Sam Hansennoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-401303964563152307.post-53758544127267337382013-10-29T18:31:06.221-04:002013-10-29T18:31:06.221-04:00Indeed these are remarkable events for those speci...Indeed these are remarkable events for those special children. How quickly we are to ignore the students labeled as non-athletic or nerdy, why can't these students get their 15 minutes of fame. Why does it seem that we cater to the athletes and those with special needs and forget all about those who might need the most help or acceptance? Don't get me wrong, I love reading about how a student with special needs gets a truly awesome accomplishment, what about that third stringer that bust his but all season and never sees the field. I played baseball and a so-so student, but if I was told to walk a batter or let him steal, I would, no doubt about it, but if we do not treat that moment as professional as possible is it wasted, maybe he gets thrown out, or strikes out why not give them a real moment they will never forget, an actual play. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-401303964563152307.post-80101201184079025942013-10-29T17:30:05.168-04:002013-10-29T17:30:05.168-04:00I don't have a child with special needs but I ...I don't have a child with special needs but I taught children with mental and physical disabilities and medical needs for 37 years. If anything is gained in thede "feel-good sports moments", perhaps it changed the hearts of the typical kids who assisted in the feat. Perhaps they will think twice before name-calling, staring, making fun of and or bullying those kids who don't have the strength or confidence to fight back. There are always concerns about kids with disabilities with accompanying factors...atlanto-axial dislocations, osteoporosis issues, shunts and so on. The biggest shame is that there is no stadium full of fans and cheerleaders when one of my kids sits up unaided for the first time, takes that first step, says that first word, takes that first spoonful of food to his or her mouth all on their own. Celebrations and cheering are not just to be heard on the football field or basketball court. There are so many amazing kids and young people in this world that were given "bleak outlooks" for a meaningful life by the medical community...many of these young people are now accomplishing phenomenal feats, living on their own, holding down jobs...being tax paying citizens of our communities. Let's remember to cheer for them off the fields and the courts! We are more the same than different!!Peg Brownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-401303964563152307.post-81206167558983481622013-10-29T16:37:57.388-04:002013-10-29T16:37:57.388-04:00Very good point. I coach Special Olympics Track as...Very good point. I coach Special Olympics Track as do my daughter and son. My other daughter Karen runs in all the events and her sibblings and many of her friends from school come to cheer her on or help in Special Olympics. The kids get community service points while getting an education about our Pledge: "Let me win but if I can't win let me be brave in the attempt". We run unified teams in our relays as well. My oldest daughter is an XC runner and when she turned 18 Special Olympics mailed her on her birthday Head Coach status. Technically she always was. The program isa learning experiance for all kids especially our unified relay teams. I notice you hit my thought on the head. Cross Country (XC). XC in High school is a program where 9, 10, 11, 12 and Special needs all run together. The captains aren't freshman, JV... They are Captains of all those kids and the leadership comes from the seniors or Captains. Traditionall the highest GPA's come from the XC team as well. I will site one of our athletes who ran XC through out High School and was coached in Special Olympics by the kids as well. We all would wait for him running dead last and the kids would run back with him. Time after time dead last but who cared. Then one day he came over the hill holding two fingers up shouting: "I'm ahead of Two"! although he never was last in those kids eyes today and most every race after he didn't cross the finish line last. His high school career is over in XC but he belongs to the local running club and is a top runner for Special Olympics. Special Olympics is a phenominal organization. When the child is done with his moment of glory Special Olympics assures there will be many more!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-401303964563152307.post-38894232417683888132013-10-29T16:29:34.321-04:002013-10-29T16:29:34.321-04:00Of course, the catcher should have attempted to th...Of course, the catcher should have attempted to throw to second base for the out. The fact the opposing team choose to see Sarah as a nonentity and ignored she as a player. She was robbed of a great opportunity. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-401303964563152307.post-44922738952671756432013-10-29T15:59:57.454-04:002013-10-29T15:59:57.454-04:00I agree with this. I would have loved to play spor...I agree with this. I would have loved to play sports in high school, but I wasn't able to keep up with my more coordinated, more athletic peers. Should they have invited me on the team, just because I wanted to be there? No. <br /><br />At least for high school sports, which require a try-out, a student should be admitted to the team if they can competently perform the sport, regardless of if they are neurotypical or not. In "the real world", nobody is going to hand you a participation trophy. That's something typical kids learn early, and it's a lesson important for everyone else too.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com