My name is Michelle Lucci, and I am a sibling of someone with special needs.  My brother, Tony, has Down Syndrome, and he inspired me to become a special education teacher.  I earned my bachelor’s degree from Franciscan University as an Intervention Specialist and my master’s degree from West Virginia University in Multiple and Severe Disabilities. I taught middle school students with special needs for five years before my health forced me to retire.  Now I use my skills and education to write textbooks and make educational materials for students with significant disabilities.

The Self-Awareness Series are books written to start a conversation between an adult and an individual with special needs. The books are written as clearly and gently as possible to promote positive self-esteem, as well as self-acceptance and awareness of weaknesses. They can also be used in special education classrooms for learning how to use reference books.

Growing up, my parents didn’t talk to my brother Tony about his disability. As a result of my education and experience teaching, I realized it would benefit my brother if my parents were to talk to him about his disability. I encouraged my parents to do so, but they were not sure why we should tell him he has Down Syndrome if he isn’t aware.

Think about it this way. Let’s say you have trouble doing something. If you understand why it is challenging for you, you can identify and label the weakness, and as a result, you can strengthen it by finding solutions that help you adapt. For example, I struggle with spelling. Because I have identified that weaknesses, I have found solutions to adapt. I use spell check, ask Siri to spell words for me, and when in doubt, I use a synonym.

Our loved ones often attend their IEP meetings at school as quiet guests and don’t really understand what is going on or why they are there.  If they understand their disability and their weaknesses, they can understand why the adults in their life are working on a plan to help them be successful in school.

Knowledge is power. It is important for our loved ones to have awareness of their own disabilities.  If they are able to identify and understand their weaknesses, then it promotes control over their lives and positive self-esteem.  If they understand why they are different and that there is a reason for why they are the way they are, then they can focus on their strengths, talents, and what makes them special!

The books are available on Kindle. http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=sr_nr_seeall_3?rh=k%3AMichelle+Lucci%2Ci%3Adigital-text&keywords=Michelle+Lucci&ie=UTF8&qid=1461083241