“Before Congress passed the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 1975, millions of children received inadequate special education services...and at least one million children were prevented from attending public schools altogether.” (0:30)
ONE MILLION! This was so astonishing for me to read, and my pure shock for the lack of representation for differently abled students only increased as the video progressed.
“I’m sorry we have to do this to you.” (3:21)
What the head of Special Education said to the Principal of Richard’s middle school when he was going to their school. I’m sorry?!? Seriously? I hate that even before Richard got his start at a “normal” school he is seen as an inconvenience, by the head of Special Education of all people.
“I think it’s cool that they have them in here...it’s a better learning opportunity for him and for us to interact with him.” (12:52)
It was nice to hear how accepting the students were about Richard. At this point in the video, I began to see some hope.
“She’s not behind, she does not need to be in special ed classes.” - Ana’s Mom (20:29)
They think just because she is in a wheelchair she needs to be in special ed classes. Just because someone is in a wheelchair or has another physical difference, does not mean they differ in ability or capability mentally. There were plenty of cases in this video, and even in schools, I have been a student in, where students were in wheelchairs, but were very capable and did not need to be in a special education class.
“A nightmare. And I think all through his elementary school they were nightmares ‘til Richard was in the 5th grade. You face isolation. You face discrimination. You face hostility. You face everything that you would not want to be exposed to. But that’s what you face, and you face that because you have a child with special needs and you’re not wanted...you don’t belong there.” (24:34)
Richards’s Mother, in reference to his first IEP. This quote broke my heart, they went looking for help, and face isolation and all kinds of negative consequences and some of which so bad it makes the child’s caretaker contemplate filing for an IEP. It is so awful that it has to get worse before it gets better, and I hope that in the present day it is a better process, but from what I am seeing from other people’s blog posts, that does not seem to be the case.
After watching the video, I found a very informative article on “The Difference Between
Accommodations and Modifications.” In addition, this wonderful graphic from the
Americans with Disabilities Act.
Vanessa, I think it is absolutely crazy how the district decided that some students had to be bussed to different schools instead of being included in their community school. How did they come up with their criteria? Student's with IEP's, just as those that do not have one, have so much to offer to their peers, teachers, and community. As parents we must always fight for justice for all students, not just those who "appear" like everyone else.
ReplyDeleteHi Vanessa, You picked out some really powerful quotes. I also was shocked that they put the girl in a wheelchair in a special education class without even knowing her. They just assumed because she had a physical disability that she needed special education. I also was shocked how the administration's attitude towards Richard was one of inconvenience and a "waste of money," just in the few years he was there his mother stated she saw so many gains because he was exposed to more than what he would have at the special day school. Just imagine where he would have been at that point in his life if he was allowed to attend his district school from day one with accommodations. Great post!!
ReplyDeleteVanessa, Great blog! Your graphic was really helpful. I was also shocked by the way the school handled students with disabilities, and assumed all students with physical disabilities could be lumped into one category. It was indeed heartbreaking and hard to watch what the students and their families were subjected to. I agree with your last sentiment, that it should not have to get worse before it gets better. special education programs need to be more thorough and comprehensive, without the fight and plight of the childrens' parents.
ReplyDeleteHi Vanessa,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed looking at the layout of your blog post before I began to read it. It shows some very powerful quotes that connect to all of the discussions we have been having in class. The one quote and explanation that really stood out to me was this one: ““A nightmare. And I think all through his elementary school they were nightmares ‘til Richard was in the 5th grade. You face isolation. You face discrimination. You face hostility. You face everything that you would not want to be exposed to. But that’s what you face, and you face that because you have a child with special needs and you’re not wanted...you don’t belong there.” (24:34). Like you, this quote struck me and also broke my heart. It is so sad to see that this is still occurring in our society today, despite the strides we have made to be a more inclusive and welcoming society. Also, I really liked the graphic you added!
Thanks for sharing the ADA Facts Sheet -- so useful!!
ReplyDelete