|
by Linda G. Tessler, Ph.D., Psychologist, Bryn Mawr, PA
3. Maintain a Support System
Situation
You have accepted the fact that you need help.
What are you going to do to get the right kind of
help? Answer: Build and Maintain Two Support Systems: Technical & Social.
SUPPORT SYSTEM ONE: Technical
Technical support includes the technology that makes life and learning
manageable. A tape recorder to record a lecture or listen to a book on tape may be essential.
A computer that reads aloud is an invaluable aid. Other tools used are Palm Pilot "Speak &
Spell" calculator. Technical support also refers to people who teach you and help with various
tasks. Your technical support team may include a coach, a tutor, reader, spell checker,
typist, computer assistant, or others. These individuals must have your confidence and
make you feel completely safe. The support system only works if you have people on
board whom you feel good about.
SUPPORT SYSTEM TWO: Social
The role of family members in the support system is critical and difficult.
The instinct for family is to protect the learner from pain; to make life easier; to solve
problems and smooth over rough spots. The instinct is to protect, not support.
Family members must learn how to provide quality support. A fundamental
guideline is to listen without saying too much. In other words, listen about 70 percent of
the time. Validate the person's difficulties, but allow him/her to assume the role of doer,
problem solver, independent thinker and self-reliant individual. It is the role the
individual with the learning difference must assume to reach their potential.
Social support also includes friends. Friends are people you can trust
because they accept you for who you are.
©Copyright Tessler, Summer, 1998
Back to top
<
1,
2,
3,
4,
5 >
|
