2008 Woodie Awards
UWT student shares disability with young pupils
evelyn Ysais
Issue date: 11/17/05 Section: Campus News
- Page 1 of 1
UWT's mission promotes diversity among its population and encourages community outreach within its curriculum.
Lukas Barfield, a student in the Teachers Certification Program (TCP) embodied both ideals during a recent visit to Patty Schmauder's third grade class at Central Avenue Elementary in the Franklin Pierce school district.
Barfield was invited to speak on the subject of living and working with a disability. Barfield is blind. Students were surprised to hear Barfield does not drive or read books.
He told them it was not until the ninth grade that he learned to read well, explaining that reading was probably the hardest thing for him to deal with in everyday life.
Barfield gave two demonstrations for the students to understand what it is like to be unable to see. In the first demonstration, he had the students shut their eyes and write their names, date and "Mrs. Schmauder's class" on the paper.
He then asked them to look at their papers. Barfield then asked students if they thought it would look better if they practiced it like that over time.
The students' answers varied from YES, to NO WAY!
He assured them that even though it is harder to do it without sight, it gets easier in time.
Asked by a student if he was bullied as a child, Barfield answered, "Yes, a lot. Any bullying is not good. If anyone is different then you, you don't want to pick on them."
For the second demonstration, Barfield brought out his cane and gave the students a demonstration of its use, explaining that the cane is used as a marker or identifier.
He also spoke to the children about the proper etiquette for asking someone with disabilities if they want help.
Students were eager to ask more questions about how Barfield does his homework, how he writes, and if he handles his money differently than a sighted person.
Barfield patiently answered all their questions and explained that he is no different than everyone else. "I like pizza and have hobbies just like you. I play the turn table. Some people don't call it an instrument, but I do. Music is a big part of my life."
Barfield also discussed the effects of soundwaves on the ear, explaining that he uses that strategy to pinpoint noise and to judge how far away things are
"So for me an ear infection causes me trouble in getting around," said Barfield, laughing.
Barfield stressed to his audience how important it is not give up and quit, and spoke about his decision to become a teacher.
"It is hard to find jobs being blind," said Barfield. "People do not want to hire someone that cannot see. "You have to decide on something and stick to it. Don't let anyone tell you what you can and can not do."
"That is why I am here. Teaching is my passion."
Barfield recently welcomed his newest passion to the family: Ronan Cormac O'Brien Barfield was born on Nov. 10.
Lukas Barfield, a student in the Teachers Certification Program (TCP) embodied both ideals during a recent visit to Patty Schmauder's third grade class at Central Avenue Elementary in the Franklin Pierce school district.
Barfield was invited to speak on the subject of living and working with a disability. Barfield is blind. Students were surprised to hear Barfield does not drive or read books.
He told them it was not until the ninth grade that he learned to read well, explaining that reading was probably the hardest thing for him to deal with in everyday life.
Barfield gave two demonstrations for the students to understand what it is like to be unable to see. In the first demonstration, he had the students shut their eyes and write their names, date and "Mrs. Schmauder's class" on the paper.
 Media Credit: evelyn Ysais Lukas Barfield, UWT Education Certification Program student, talks to third graders about challenges he encounters as a blind person. |
He then asked them to look at their papers. Barfield then asked students if they thought it would look better if they practiced it like that over time.
The students' answers varied from YES, to NO WAY!
He assured them that even though it is harder to do it without sight, it gets easier in time.
Asked by a student if he was bullied as a child, Barfield answered, "Yes, a lot. Any bullying is not good. If anyone is different then you, you don't want to pick on them."
For the second demonstration, Barfield brought out his cane and gave the students a demonstration of its use, explaining that the cane is used as a marker or identifier.
He also spoke to the children about the proper etiquette for asking someone with disabilities if they want help.
Students were eager to ask more questions about how Barfield does his homework, how he writes, and if he handles his money differently than a sighted person.
Barfield patiently answered all their questions and explained that he is no different than everyone else. "I like pizza and have hobbies just like you. I play the turn table. Some people don't call it an instrument, but I do. Music is a big part of my life."
Barfield also discussed the effects of soundwaves on the ear, explaining that he uses that strategy to pinpoint noise and to judge how far away things are
"So for me an ear infection causes me trouble in getting around," said Barfield, laughing.
Barfield stressed to his audience how important it is not give up and quit, and spoke about his decision to become a teacher.
"It is hard to find jobs being blind," said Barfield. "People do not want to hire someone that cannot see. "You have to decide on something and stick to it. Don't let anyone tell you what you can and can not do."
"That is why I am here. Teaching is my passion."
Barfield recently welcomed his newest passion to the family: Ronan Cormac O'Brien Barfield was born on Nov. 10.