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  • Confronting Ableism

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    Adam Mendelson
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    This article discusses ableism and the negative cultural attitudes towards students with disabilities. It describes how ableism undermines opportunities for full participation in school and society. The author argues that confronting ableism is important for teachers and students to understand and accept disabilities rather than isolate students. Special education programs aim to meet the unique needs of students and many have found success through dedicated teachers and feeling included. We must challenge the assumption that those with disabilities are less intellectually capable and instead encourage them with appropriate support.

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    This article discusses ableism and the negative cultural attitudes towards students with disabilities. It describes how ableism undermines opportunities for full participation in school and society. The author argues that confronting ableism is important for teachers and students to understand and accept disabilities rather than isolate students. Special education programs aim to meet the unique needs of students and many have found success through dedicated teachers and feeling included. We must challenge the assumption that those with disabilities are less intellectually capable and instead encourage them with appropriate support.

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    123 views2 pages

    Confronting Ableism

    Uploaded by

    Adam Mendelson
    This article discusses ableism and the negative cultural attitudes towards students with disabilities. It describes how ableism undermines opportunities for full participation in school and society. The author argues that confronting ableism is important for teachers and students to understand and accept disabilities rather than isolate students. Special education programs aim to meet the unique needs of students and many have found success through dedicated teachers and feeling included. We must challenge the assumption that those with disabilities are less intellectually capable and instead encourage them with appropriate support.

    Copyright:

    Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
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    Adam Mendelson 2 September 2011 Inclusive Practices

    Confronting Ableism
    This article discusses the negative cultural attitudes toward students with disabilities and how it can undermine opportunities for all students to participate fully in school and society. The author coins the term ableism, as societys pervasive negative attitude about disability. As unfortunate and sad as the truth may be, it is a reality that teachers must confront. Students and teachers alike may have a difficult time understanding and accepting ones disability, and in turn, isolate the student with the disability. In education, considerable evidence shows that unquestioned ableist assumptions are harming disabled students and contributing to unequal outcomes. Special education in the school system includes programs such as the IEP and the IDEA, which will meet and embrace the unique needs that arise out of the students disability. I am a strong supporter and believer in Special Education for many reasons. I have seen first hand the success of the teachers who spend their time with students with disabilities. I have seen children with Down syndrome included in normal class activities and enjoy them and feel like they belong. To give a student support, skills, and opportunities needed to live as full a life as possible is the goal of special education instructors. The hard work, patience, and commitment to ableist students are noble and honorable. It takes a person with a strong heart and dedication to teach Special Education, and I respect any instructor involved in Special Ed. This article also discusses in length about students with various types of disabilities and how to go about supporting and educating them. Disabilities include

    students with a Serious Emotional Disturbance, students with Learning Specific Disabilities, and Students with Low- Incidence Disabilities. Low incidence disability students, like blindness and deafness, unfortunately are not afforded opportunities that other children with the same disability had in the past. Parents sometimes face the choice of sending their children to a local school that is ill equipped to meet their needs. Services can be brought to blind and deaf students in typical community settings, and most students can thrive in that environment. Students that have serious emotional disturbances experience poorer outcomes than those students of Low-Incidence disabilities. Substantial evidence indicates, that providing these students with appropriate supports and mental health services can significantly reduce disruptive behavior and improve their learning. We must remember that the most damaging ableist assumption is the belief that people with disabilities are not intellectually capable. This discourages students and gives them lower expectations. We must encourage any and all students with disabilities and provide the support and services they deserve to get the best education they can receive.

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