Discussion Thread: Reading/Student Replies 2-Part
Part 1: Discussion prompt
Respond to the following discussion prompt:
Chapter 6 of the Swanson, Harris, and Graham text addresses adults with disabilities and factors contributing to persistence.
The chapter discusses a variety of risk factors. Considering the research presented, compose an argument for improving persistence from a biblical perspective.
Include at least 2 scripture references to support your assertions.
Each thread must be:
1. a minimum of 500 words and a minimum of three paragraphs,
2. demonstrate course-related knowledge,
3. and contain a minimum of 1 citation in current APA format to support assertions
Part 2: Student Replies
You will complete 3 scholarly student replies with the following:
1. a minimum of 200 words,
2. demonstrate course-related knowledge,
3. and contain a minimum of 1 citation in current APA format to support assertions
Student Replies:
Student 1
Improving persistence among adults with disabilities from a biblical perspective is rooted in the core tenets of faith, compassion, and justice. The Bible calls for believers to care for the marginalized and vulnerable members of society, including those with disabilities. By addressing factors that hinder persistence, we fulfill the biblical mandate to love our neighbors as ourselves. Firstly, enhancing persistence aligns with the biblical principle of stewardship. In the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30), Jesus teaches about the importance of using our gifts and resources wisely. Individuals with disabilities possess unique talents and potential contributions to society. Therefore, it is our responsibility to create environments that support their growth and enable them to persist in pursuing their goals and aspirations.
Moreover, improving persistence reflects the biblical emphasis on justice and equity. Throughout the Old Testament, God repeatedly commands His people to defend the cause of the weak and oppressed (Isaiah 1:17). Adults with disabilities often face societal barriers and discrimination that hinder their ability to persist in education, employment, and social inclusion. By advocating for policies and practices that remove these barriers, we uphold the biblical mandate to pursue justice and righteousness. Additionally, enhancing persistence among adults with disabilities embodies the biblical virtue of compassion. Jesus exemplified compassion in His interactions with individuals with disabilities, healing them and restoring their dignity (Matthew 9:35-36). As His followers, we are called to demonstrate similar compassion by providing support and encouragement to those facing challenges related to their disabilities. By fostering an environment of empathy and understanding, we create the conditions for individuals with disabilities to persevere in the face of adversity.
In conclusion, improving persistence among adults with disabilities is not only a moral imperative but also a biblical mandate. By promoting stewardship, justice, and compassion, we fulfill our duty to love and serve our neighbors, including those with disabilities. As we strive to create inclusive communities where all individuals can thrive, we embody the teachings of Jesus and reflect the Kingdom’s values of love, justice, and mercy.
English Standard Version Bible. (2001). ESV Online. https://esv.literalword.com/
Student 2:
This chapter and the idea of persistence really resonated with me. It also made me realize how incredibly thankful I am to know that I have God and the Bible to turn to in times of need and trial. While the risk factors vary as does a person’s individual disabilities, God’s truths and the Bible are everlasting and unbreakable. The Bible is full of scripture verses to encourage and strengthen anyone as they struggle to persist through the many obstacles that are faced by individuals living with disabilities. In Psalm 56:8 the Bible says, “You have kept count of my tossings; put my tears in your bottle. Are they not in your book?” (English Standard Version, 2001). It is nearly unimaginable that God values his people so much that He bottles our tears and knows of each and everyone that we shed. We are important to him including all the struggles that someone faces on their journey through perseverance.
Another verse is Romans 8:28 which says, “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose” (English Standard Version, 2001). This verse is particularly powerful because although individuals with disabilities will face many challenges and obstacles to overcome they can have faith that every experience is ultimately working together for the good of God’s kingdom and His purpose for their lives.
Isaiah 40:29-31 states, “He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint” (English Standard Version, 2001). What an amazing verse. This is for anyone struggling, particularly individuals with disabilities. Here the Bible explains that God will give power, strength, energy, and the ability to be able to accomplish anything and compete with individuals who are considered at the top of their field. Believing that this can be accomplished and true is often hard to comprehend for individuals with disabilities. This is because they live their lives in constant struggle and the need to persist through ongoing trials.
From here individuals can cling to Philippians 3:14, which states, “I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (English Standard Version, 2001). All Christians are called to spread the gospel of Jesus and the gift of salvation. This will lead to the ultimate goal of spending eternity in heaven. This will be the best environment for all individuals as everyone will be restored and made perfect. There will be no more need to persist or overcome struggles as they will have all vanished.
As Swanson et al. (2013) pointed out there are numerous intrinsic and extrinsic factors that impact individuals with disabilities daily and have an impact on their level of persistence in accomplishing their academic and lifetime goals. These factors include socioeconomic status, gender, ethnicity, race, literacy, comorbidities, and ADHD to name a few. Due to these factors, individuals with disabilities often experience negative effects when trying to navigate their environment. However, as previously discussed, the Bible is full of examples of individuals who have had to overcome challenges and encouraging words to support ongoing perseverance.
Reference
Swanson, H. L., Harris, K. R., & Graham, S. (Eds.). (2013). Handbook of learning disabilities. Guilford Publications.
https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/liberty/read…
Student 3:
Swanson et al., (2013) share the types of risk factors that adults with disabilities are prone to coming into contact with. Being self reliant or understanding one is responsible for their own life is considered a biblical worldview to me. “Self-efficacy beliefs”–an evaluation of one’s own specific competence–are also integral to one’s ability to self-regulate behavior and learning” (Swanson et al., 2013, p. 88). Being able to self regulate behavior or one’s learning is an area that resinates on a spiritual level. The intrinsic nature of man is to look out for himself or herself, as Darwins’s theory of natural selection indicates. This ideal of self-regulation continues to be displayed by Swanson et al., (2013) to be beneficial in all areas of life.
Working with students with special needs that are emerging into adulthood, it is imperative to make sure they are aware of this strategy. When a student or a young adult can find success when they slow down and take things one step at a time, they are going to find that joy from the success as well. This joy will in turn motivate them to continue on the path they are on. This again is much like a spiritual path. The self regulation concept makes me think of 2 Corinthians 10: 5-6, “Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; 6 And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled” (KJB, 2024/1769, 2 Corinthians 10:5-6). The obedience that is fulfilled is when the mind is able to self regulate and make proper choices.
Being persistent is also a characteristic that fuels self regulation. Motivation, persistence, perseverance, and self reliance are all Christlike attributes. Adults tend to be tired and lack motivation as noted by Swanson et al., (2013), but with the help of the Lord these characteristics can be found even later in life. It would be easier to just stop trying as the body ages and eyesight goes, if reading is a problem. The fact one could lean back on poor eyesight would not be concerning for most. The problem is that could lead to bought of depression and a diminished sense of self worth. Finding joy in progress is one way to elevate the sense of self worth. “Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory” (KJB, 2024/1769, 1 Peter 1:8). The point of being self reliant, having motivation, finding persistence, and persevering is all pleasing unto our Lord. He may not be visible, but he can be felt. The same is true of finding purpose in education or becoming a learner, whether you have a disability or not. We must adopt a lifestyle where we continue to learn. I once heard the only thing we can take with us is our intelligence. Why not make it last a lifetime.
King James Bible, (2024) King James Bible Online, https://churchofjesuschrist.org
(Original work 1769)
Swanson, H. L., Harris, K. R., & Graham, S. (2013). Handbook of Learning Disabilities (2nd edition., pp. 155–168), Guilford Press.
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