Inclusive not exclusive

Have you ever walked into a middle school PE class?  What did you see…kids running around, jumping and playing ball?  What do you do if you are unable to run, jump or play ball?  On October 23, the students in Caroline County Public Schools heard about a young boy who had his legs amputated and hated PE class.  Do you know what he decided to do?  JOIN THE WRESTLING TEAM.

Rohan Murphy is a world-class athlete.  While attending East Islip High School in New York, Murphy was a three-time All-League and two-time All-County wrestler.  At Penn State University, he earned three varsity letters. As a weight lifter, he set a record for lifting 270 pounds in 2006.  He broke this record again the same year for lifting 281 pounds.  These feats are noteworthy and beyond the reach for most.  What is truly amazing is the fact that Rohan had both of his legs amputated when he was a young child.

In recognition of Disability History and Awareness Month, the Office of Special Education under Director Lora Glass and the Parent Teacher Resource Center with Coordinator Susan Gayle organized an event for the Caroline County schools.  Motivational speaker Rohan Murphy spoke with each of the schools on Monday, October 23.  He shared his story of the impact of a birth defect that led to the double amputation of his legs.

PE was his least favorite class and often refused to participate.  When he entered middle school, his teacher encouraged him to join the wrestling team as the team manager.  Reluctantly, he joined the team and slowly began to learn the wrestling moves.  On Monday, Murphy demonstrated his immense physical skills and students watched on in awe.  “Without the encouragement of my teachers, I wouldn’t know the success I live today,” reports Rohan Murphy.  He shared two messages with the students:  Be inclusive not exclusive and Have no excuses!  His words were heard loud and clear by over 3,000 staff and students.

“Rohan overcame a tremendous disability to find great success in life.  A disability does not need to define or limit our students.  This is the message we want to share with our students and families,” stated Lora Glass.  Caroline County Public Schools is making dramatic growth in the services and supports provided to special education students including inclusive schools, multi-sensory reading instruction and employment training.  “More students are graduating with standard and advanced diplomas and are entering colleges and the work force with skills for success.  We are fortunate to be working with a strong internal staff as well as community and state resources.  We are able to build and expand the supports provided to our students,” per Director Glass.  The Parent Teacher Resource Center has also moved into a new, expanded space.  Susan Gayle reports, “We are serving more families and teachers and needed more space to make our resources available.  We love meeting with families.”  In recognition of Disability History and Awareness Month, and October Outreach: Project 22, the community is encouraged to demonstrate acceptance and inclusion in our Caroline Community.