Love Hope Autism: April is World Autism Month
April 23, 2019
In light of World Autism month in April, here’s a Q & A with a proud supporter of Autism awareness. We’re speaking with H.D. Stafford Principal Shawn Davids who came to the School Board office wearing a T-shirt that said “Love Hope Autism.” In a work environment, where most people wear business casual attire, he definitely stuck out (in a good way!). We had to ask him about it and here’s what he had to say:
Q: Why is the shirt significant to you?
A: Over my 20+ years in education, I have seen the understanding of autism grow tremendously. However, there is still so much that we as educators and more importantly, we as a society need to learn when it comes to understanding these amazing kids and adults. This shirt was designed and created by a mom (owner of Little Vix Apparel) at my previous school whose son has autism. I have a special connection with her son and love being able to support him while spreading awareness.
Q: As a school administrator, how important is it to celebrate diverse abilities?
A: We are so lucky to have schools in Langley made up of a variety of students. Whether it is their race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or diverse abilities, it is the strength and uniqueness that each child comes to us with that makes our work so rewarding and so important. There is something amazing that is displayed about the human spirit in watching our students with diverse abilities have success in a variety of different aspects of their lives. And watching a school community come together to empower that success is inspiring.
Q: What can students, parents, people in general do to increase inclusivity and diversity (in school and outside of school)?
A: It is so important to embrace each other with an open heart. To take time to get to know each other’s stories through a strength-based mindset. It is amazing to me what happens when we take time to ask questions and truly understand where people are coming from. When it comes to our students with diverse abilities, it is crucial to cast aside assumptions and pre-judgements and really get to know who they are as people. I would encourage people to take time out of their fast-paced, busy lives (whether you’re a student or parent) and get to know others on a much more authentic level.
To find out more about what the District is doing in helping students with special needs reach their full potential, visit Learning Support Services here.