Tags
Acceptance, Access, Animals, Animals and Children, Blind, Blindness, Children and animals, Counselling, Disability, Diversity, Dog, Education, Equality, Great teacher, Guide Dog, Hidden Disability, Kindness, Munch, Pets
The new academic year for us usually means a few changes in the way we work. From updates on our record keeping systems (which luckily my speech software helps me figure out) , to change in schools that we work in. With a total of 107 schools in our county that we cover, (primary, secondary and specialist schools), the need to change schools is inevitable. This term, we have been placed back in a primary school, and we are both loving it.
Being the only six legged pair that works in our county in our role, some people have heard of us even before we have our first day somewhere. So when happy hairy Munch trotted into our new primary school with me traipsing behind him laden down with bags for the day, no Introduction were needed. The staff were happy to see us , although possibly they were more happy having a new four-legged staff member than the predicable two- legged one. Munch’s picture was emailed over to all the year groups to introduce him to all the pupils, which was such a lovely gesture. When walking around the school throughout the day , we passed groups of children who were only too happy to say hello to Munch from a distance.
Receiving a warm welcome makes it so much easier to fit in an alien place that takes a while to create mental maps for. Rehearsal is key in us knowing how to get around safely. , Munch will remember a route first time around, but it takes me a couple of attempts to remember where slops, steps, doors, and landmarks are. Using touch to find doors and furniture and locate and operate security pads is just normal to me but must look strange to others. I always wonder what that used to look like to the onlooker before I had Munch and used to get around with just memory maps and subtle touch. At least with Munch by my side, I feel like I can be more open to the sighted that I have my own unique way of getting around in our shared space.
We have had many questions from the children since we started, that are too priceless not to share. Here are just some intriguing questions that we have been asked by children in work over the last six years.
Does Munch wash his paws after he uses the toilet in school?
Has, Munch ever had detention?
What does Munch wear on non school uniform day?
Does he have homework?
Is Munch part of a rugby team?
Has he ever been bullied or fallen out with friends?
Has he ever said a naughty word?
Who is his favourite teacher?
Does he eat school dinners or bring a lunchbox with him?
From the list of questions, you can see that the younger children seem to see past his canine shell and see him as an equal. When my granddaughter was four, we dropped her off in school, her teacher asked her what the name of my dog was. She was puzzled at first and, after a while said “that’s not a dog, he’s Munch” . Being accepted into our place of work always feels like a win like this, and this lovely new school setting is no different
As I am deep in my mind mapping world in work to get around safely, I know that Munch is doing his part to keep these little wins alive. For me, independent living is only possible due to Munch’s omnipresent loyalty as he patiently waits for me to get used to newness that we are constantly gifted with. Long live the cheesy grins in our little wins đ