From My Friend Ro Jargo Analysis

I. Theory After reading the voice of Inclusion “From My Friend Ro Vargo” what an intriguing and captivating story. About a young girl who is severely impaired, name Ro Vargo who is diagnosed with (rett syndrome). Defined as “a progressive neurodevelopmental genetic disorder that affects females usually during infancy that is characterized by cognitive and psychomotor deterioration, slowed head and brain growth, stereotyped hand movements, seizures, and mental retardation”www.merriamwebster.com. Ro did not want people to talk about what she had (rett syndrome). To her she’s just an ordinary person. We see through Ro’s eyes as she takes us on her life’s journey. From the beginning of kindergarten through the end of college. Ro parents reveals

their daughter’s struggles, pains, ups, and downs. Never handicapping, feeling sorry, babying, or holding her back because of her disability. Treating Ro like nothing is wrong, but normal. They want Ro to have a good life no matter the cost. Ro’s parents did not want her to attend a special school, but a regular school, so she could have a chance at life and what it had to offer. Ro’s parents I believe was getting her prepared for life, just in case they were not around. That’s what parents do. Proverbs 22:6 says “Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old, he will not depart from it”www.biblegatway.com. I believe this is part of the humanistic model. “These models including those of Rodgers and Maslow, emphasized personally meaningful experiences, innate motivations for healthy growth, and the child’s purposeful creation of a self”(Parritz & Troy, 2014). On one occasion Ro parents reminisce about a birthday party she was invited to in kindergarten. Ro’s mother asked “why do kids like Ro” (Vargo & Vargo, 2005). One thing we fail realize kids will always be kids. It does’t matter, that’s what kids do play with other kids. Ro was just easy, cool, laid back and they accepted her. Ro was just a down to earth person. Her disability did not make her. That’s what they loved about her. It’s us the adults who have issues. We make a big deal out of everything. The second time the humanistic model was shown is when Ro received her first communion at their church. Ro’s parents was trouble, but did their homework. Searched the bible for scriptures to find where it says that children who have disabilities can not take communion. They went to present it to the pastor, who was not problem with it at all. The Word of God in Matthews 19:14 says” But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven”www.biblegateway.com. What a major accomplishment for Ro who cannot communicate verbally, but understands what was going on. Ro wanted to be a part of everything, nothing got in her way. Ro parents wanted her to experience life to the fullest. Taking communion had a positive effect on Ro, her parents, and the church. When we grow, change will come for the better. Ro’s change came in the fourth grade. New styles, hair, clothes, attitude, and looks. Ro change so much her peers voted her in as the best friend of the year. What a privilege and honor that was bestowed upon her. Ro was growing up, her classmates were changing and learning so much from her. They were learning from each other. II. Full Inclusion What does Inclusion mean” the action or state of including or being included within a group or structure”www.merriamwebster.com. Students just want to fit in, just belong, not an outcast. Wikipedia.org defines inclusion as “education differs from previously held notion of integration and mainstreaming which tended to be concerned principally with disability and special educational needs and implied learners”. The number one controversial topics in education is included. Many are torn, it’s no in between either you are for it or against it. When it comes to this subject people are touchy feely about it and don’t know the facts. Learn the facts before you speak. Many of our students with disabilities are at a risk. People don’t understand and don’t want to take the time to understand children that are in inclusion. What’s the difference between the two? Full inclusion students are described as students with special needs who are educated with students who are not special needs. Full inclusion students stay in the same class all day and all year. Everything they do, takes place in the class. Their needs are met.

“From a holistic constructivist perspective all children simply engage in a process of learning as they can in a particular subject area; how much and exactly what they learn will depend upon their background, interest, and disabilities” (Stainback and Stainback, 1992, pg.72). Inclusion and Full Inclusion you’re getting the best of both worlds. With two teachers who collaborate. Which means” to work together with another person or group in order to achieve or do something”www.merriamwebster.com. Using teachers that are well qualified, understand the students, and meeting the needs of every student. Working together as one, to achieve and meet their goals and objectives. Romans 8:28 says” And we know that all things work for the good to them that love God, to them who are called according to His purpose”wwwbiblegateway.com. We as educators are called for a high level of accountability to teach everyone. Whether its inclusion or full inclusion, giving them the right tools to succeed in life. By getting knowledge which is power to achieve and be successful to make it this life. As an instructional assistant in the public school system, working with students who have disabilities. We have days that are more trying and challenging than

others. Reading this article I can relate to inclusion. Every child is different. When people hear and think about inclusion they immediately, without thinking label our students as special needs. I work with students that have (ADD/ ADHD) Attention Deficit/ Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, (BD) Behavioral Disorder, (LD) Learning Disorder just to name a few. “Students dealing with one or more of the mental health concerns categorized as disruptive behavior are more likely than their peers to violate norms and engage in aggressive actions frequently to the consternation of adults and peers” (Bernes, Bernes, and Bardick, 2011). Inclusion can work to our advantage when used right. There are a few beyond inclusion and need more assistance. Inclusion can also help with a student’s social skills with their peers. Friend are made by inclusion, believe it or not students in the class have a brother or sister that’s special needs. They can relate more and now become friends with them then enemies. Kids are funny. They don’t care if you have a disability, they are looking for a friend. If they like you it don’t matter, I believe this is how Ro’s friends felt about her. Friends to the end. In inclusion you’re not alone, you belong and that’s what counts. It builds up their self-esteem, and self- assurance which makes them somebody. Inclusion is the beginning of something new for those with disabilities. Gives them a sense of hope, a safe haven, friends an environment where they can trust and learning will take place. They learn how to feel good about themselves. Reaching their goals. Getting to the point where they can accomplish anything and not letting their disability hinder them. We saw this in Ro. She ended up victorious. Letting nothing get in her way. III. Biblical Integration In 1st Corinthians 12:12-13 says “For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. For by one spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit”. God has made each one of us different. We have different ideas, talents, gifts, we are all from different walks of life. If we all were the same life would be dull, boring and difficult. Ro was faced with a lot of difficult decisions. But she preserved and made it. Many of us would not have made it. I am so glad she did. Ro showed us you can take life and run with it. Or become a victim and never move ahead. Ro taught us to embrace life it as it comes just deal with it. Life will knock you down, but you have a choice to get up or stay down. With Christ you can do anything but fail. Philippians 4:13 say “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”www.biblegateway.com