Date Posted:15:11:06 03/27/02 Wed Author: SWMOM Subject: Re: Disabled Dancers In reply to:
Scared to say
's message, "Disabled Dancers" on 06:26:19 03/27/02 Wed
As has been said, it depends so much upon the dancer and the type and severity of her disability -- there is such a range with any type of disability. I work with children with special needs, and have learned not to impose any limitations on a child.
Has your child seen ID and asked to participate, or has her interest come from others talk of ID. How old is your daughter, does she have an understanding of her disabilities,what have her orthopedist and physical therapist recommended? Will any of her orthotics need to be adapted, modified or reinforced to allow dancing?
Teachers vary in their willingness to accomodate differences among their dancers, talk with teachers, observe classes, and speak with parents.
I cannot imagine a teacher approaching an ajudicator to ask for special consideration for a dancer for any reason. Many feiseanna have a "special child" competition for those with special needs where each child receives an award. A few years ago a girl with Down syndrome danced in the same competitions as my daughter, and did quite well in the beginner and advanced beginner groups -- haven't seen her since my daughter moved to novice 4 years ago, but hope she's still dancing.
You might also want to evaluate the willingness of the other dancers in the class to accept your daughter's participation. While children in public schools are educated through an inclusion model alongside children with special needs, the many Irish Dancers who attend private, parochial, or home schools may not have that opportunity. Ask a lot of questions before you make your choice.
If you could post the area where you are considering lessons people might be able to suggest more and less accomodating schools.
Re: Disabled Dancers