Disability Awareness and History
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I was informed earlier in the year that October would be "Disability Awareness and History Month". After speaking to other advocates, reviews were mixed. Of course we should be teaching about the history, accomplishments and contributions people with disabilities now and over the years have made. It is important to include perspectives of people with various differences into aspects of education.
But it is most important to see true inclusion, accessibility and respect for people with disabilities as an ongoing practice, not a special event. Having a special day, month, or week to include people with disabilities is sort of in conflict to what we work for throughout every day of the year.
I noticed the Superintendent's message on the Fox C-6 website dated October 14th and thought about this. People have been working for years to determine ways to end the systemic practice in schools of dismissing students with disabilities early. We have talked about "special prom" and how it is more beneficial, and fair, to ensure the annual school prom is inclusive and accessible to all students to begin with, rather than holding a separate event. We have talked about how separate, special events, and the routine early dismissal of students based on their differences are sending the wrong message.
It is not a consistent or meaningful message when we say one thing and practice another as a system, as a culture, or as a society. So, while I am personally encouraged by the fact that Fox C-6 is promising to include disability awareness and history month into schools, I hope to see leadership here with the ending of the practice of early dismissal for students with disabilities.
If our leadership truly recognizes people with disabilities as people with rights, potential, feelings, thoughts and perspectives, why would we ever accept a separate school schedule for students with disabilities? Why would we ever accept the idea of "separate but equal" for events, for school days, or activities? A special message on a website is nice, but I want to see people in leadership positions walking their talk.
What if Dr. Temple Grandin had been passed off to a resource room in school? What if she had been dismissed an hour or so earlier than the rest of her peers every single day? Perhaps she would not be "Dr." Grandin at all.
Mary Colantone
9:43 am on Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Don't forget seniors are disabled in many ways due to age, illness, memory loss and ability to be independent. The last few years I have become one of these people, I knew about many of these issues since I took care of my mother for 5 years. It's difficult for the child to become the parent but very east for the parent to become the child. It was the best year of my life, I can't explain the wonderful times we had and everyday was fun, difficult, a blessing, loving and memorable. I'm so glad I have a son who doesn't mind if I tell him a story twice, or forgot what day it is. I taught him to tie his shoes when he was a child and then he taught me when I forgot how. Amazing how things change daily as we all try to maintain our independence for as long as possible! Remember too that there are people who don't have someone to listen to their problems or repeat something that's going around in their mind, you might be a person who can listen and help!
Emily Malabey
1:42 pm on Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Excellent points, Mary and thanks for sharing. I hope that as our schools begin including lessons about differences in ability, they include the fact that people of all ages have different abilities. It is important too, that you mentioned the different kinds of disabilities people of older age may have. I am glad you shared some of your experience and perspective here.
First Steps Early Childhood Learning Center
9:41 am on Sunday, October 23, 2011
As early as age 5, children become aware of differences in abilities and begin forming perceptions about people with disabilities.
It is critical that parents and teachers remember that our attitudes and actions will influence our children's perceptions of people with different abilities. They are ALWAYS observing and learning from social interactions. Set a good example.
Here are some things to keep in mind as you talk to your child about the value of differences:
- Don’t discourage questions. If your child has questions about differences in physical characteristics or cultural practices, discuss them openly. This teaches your child that it’s okay to notice differences, and more importantly, it teaches him that it’s good to talk about them.
- Present examples of diversity through learning materials. When choosing toys and books, consider whether they present a variety of types of people or if everyone looks the same. Purchase dolls or action figures with different skin tones, abilities or disabilities.
Emily Malabey
8:00 pm on Sunday, October 23, 2011
Thank you for including these helpful tips!