My Disabled Brother

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Recommended: A personal reflection on teaching a student with a disability

My Brother

What I consider to be the single most important event of my life occurred in November. That was the day my very non-typical baby brother came into my life and forever changed my view. My brother Russ is a crucial part of my being and in many ways has helped to shape my life. Russ began life with almost complete deafness and remained in his silent world until the age of three. He has also been diagnosed with an Attention Deficit Disorder, Visual Perception Deficiencies, and motor skill weaknesses. Russ required additional assistance in even the simplest activities as he struggled daily to master age appropriate skills. His disabilities have greatly influenced my role as an older sibling. Russ has definitely taught me patience which is a daily asset in every aspect of my life. He has also opened my eyes in understanding other children with disabilities.

My desire for a career in occupational therapy was inspired through living with Russ. As a spectator at his occupational testing and therapy sessions, I experienced first hand the job of a therapist. Exposure to this type of therapy surfaced a natural attraction to this field. His therapist shared with our family, ideas for home therapies and activities that would be helpful in Russ's development. I eagerly began working with Russ. Our amicable non-typical sibling relationship allowed me to turn play into progress for my brother. For example, activities such as mazes and puzzles help to improve his visual perception deficiency. I have assisted in developing his fine motor skills by engaging in various art projects, playing the piano, writing, and even threading beads. But my favorite was helping with his large motor skills. I have always had a passi...

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...disability.

One of my favorite quotes is "The happiest people in life don’t necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the best of everything." Russ is one of the happiest people I know. I have learned through him to be true to myself, content in knowing I am happy with the person I have become. I have even been labeled by some as being hard core "anti-snob". I admit that I detest for a person to judge another by the clothes they wear, or the car they drive, or their parent’s occupation. I respect another human being by the morals they bear, so I proudly wear the label some have given me. In the career I have chosen, it will be important for me to look at each person's disability individually and without judgment. I love the feeling of knowing I have made a difference in my brother’s life and look forward to working with others in the near future.

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