The book Rules stands out amongst other novels in the literary genre of children with disabilities. It not only chronicles the challenges that David, a boy with Autism, faces, but also illustrates his struggles from the perspective of someone on the outside, specifically his sister Catherine. The simplest abilities that most people take for granted, such as interpreting social cues and demonstrating appropriate manners, are the same abilities that people with Autism lack. This novel shines a light on how pertinent these capabilities are for living a so-called “normal life,” however, it also questions if having a “normal life” can always be a possibility. Catherine learns by the end of the book that although her brother David may not be like…
This understanding will help me to value all people, disabled or otherwise, as "requisite variety” supports humanity to understand itself and its world (Wheatley, 1994). On a very practical level, one implication for practice has been to subscribe to blogs and channels that consider experiences of negotiating disability. Another has been to alter my initial assessment template to open discussion to questions of identity. Finally, I have recently submitted a proposal to my management for home visiting for people with mobility restrictions, potential removing some real-world barriers to engagement in counselling. The aforementioned are important because they have the potential to effect micro-level social change (Degener,…
There are a lot of people who have experienced what it is like to live with someone who has a disability. Being around someone who has a disability makes a person realize some of their behavior patterns or how they can communicate in other ways. Some people may face everyday obstacles and struggle when someone they know has a disability. Down syndrome and autism are two types of disabilities that are becoming more and more common in today’s society. There have been test done that says, “… children with Down syndrome may be at increased risk of having an autism spectrum disorder” (Hepburn).…
In the past, individuals who were born with or acquired a disability were viewed across the world as people who were to be pitied, rejected, feared, or even viewed as objects of fascination (Equality article). However, through the evolution of laws and policies, these individuals are now becoming equal participants in today’s society (Equality article). Because of this, there are several resources across the United States that are being made available. Some of the resources include programs in all levels of education, programs that assist in the search for a job and housing, and also programs that allow individuals with disabilities to become involved in organizations and the community.…
Every individual has a role to play. Every individual makes a difference.” Although disabilities can impact any and all aspects of a person, it does not define who a person is. The individual still wants a high quality of life and the parents disabled children have the same hopes and dreams. Whether it is Sandy handling her daughters cerebral palsy, Ms.Carter embracing her daughter's learning disabilities and deafness, or the parents within “Silver Water” caring for their daughter with schizophrenia, family is family.…
"Describe a current event or societal issue and how you feel OT could impact the situation." In my experience with children who have disabilities, both at Harbor Haven Day Camp and through my role as a teacher’s aide, I have witnessed extreme growth and progress through academics, social skills, and cognitive development. On a daily basis, I strive to inspire children with disabilities to overcome daily challenges with peer involvement and nondiscriminatory education. I have found that inclusive education has provided quality-learning experiences for children with and without disabilities.…
The students on my trip felt embarrassed, excluded, and ridiculed. As stated by the children surveyed in the academic journal, the children who constantly found themselves trying to navigate their way around and waiting for their transportation meant feelings of exclusion by peers and family. These children experience barriers in aspects that non-disabled children might ever consider. In an ideal world, the lives of disabled children would be full with opportunity to engage in activities, no matter the location, social, or environmental aspects. These places need to be completely barrier-free in every aspect to enable disabled children to navigate them on their own.…
Throughout my essay, I would like to explain my background and experiences I have had with individuals with special needs, as well as discuss my thoughts and beliefs I have accumulated throughout my years of experience. My mother is a special education teacher at the same school I attending from preschool to high school graduation. She enrolled me into the special education pre-school at Central Cass and I was a peer model there for two years before moving onto kindergarten. I obviously don’t remember those days and I also don’t ever remember a “first experience” with someone with special needs. I have always been raised around individuals with exceptionalities and never thought that was different than anybody else.…
Keith Jones, another individual with disabilities would go on to share a very interesting viewpoint of the education system. As an African-American, Keith described many of the unique situations he went through in his life related to his disability. This brought to light another issue where individuals with disabilities are often discriminated against by not only their disability, but also through other areas easily targeted by prejudice. Keith’s story did indeed raise another even deeper question for the audience, how do we provide an equal and positive educational experience for those with disabilities while also keeping in mind many of the already present prejudices within the world we live in? Is there a way we can help dispel many of these already horrific prejudices while also providing the best educational experience for everyone?…
I am interested in seeking a Master’s degree in Special Education because I want to pursue the best training and education possible to excel at my job. I enjoy learning and want to reflect this and pass this on to others. I’m a committed student who is dedicated to my education and the future education of my students. My goals as a teacher are to sharpen my student’s academic skills, drive them to think alternatively, and influence them to step outside of their comfort zone. I intend to help my students evolve as human beings, both morally and ethically, and for them to improve within their community.…
Introduction The controversies over ableism are an ongoing topic that our society must continually address in order to meet the needs of all people. Ableism is defined as discrimination or acts of prejudices against specific groups or individuals with disabilities (Adams, etl. 2013, pg. 297). This encompasses any person who experiences oppression due to any physical, intellectual, mental, or emotional disorder they possess (Levy, 2015).…
Throughout many years of history, those with disabilities were not always treated fairly or given equal opportunity. Activists around the world have worked together to achieve goals such as increased access to all types of transportation and a safer day to day environment. Equal opportunities in employment and education have been a big part of their efforts too. For many years, children with disabilities were many times segregated and not given an equal opportunity for a chance to learn and succeed in school. A disability should not limit a person’s choice to improve themselves and their intellectual capabilities.…
A teacher’s goal is to maximize his or her student’s potential. Traditionally, the biggest challenge for students with disabilities was to meet their needs in the areas of social, behavioral, cognitive, perceptive and motor skills (Adebisi et al. 14). A learning disability is defined by the Schwab Foundation as a person who is diagnosed by a professional with a difficulty as a result of a CNS dysfunction in the areas or reading, writing, math, science, reasoning speaking, or listening. In order to meet the diverse needs of these students, they were traditionally removed from the mainstream classroom and placed in a separate classroom to learn. Although this was the best way to meet the students’ academic needs, their social needs were grossly…
In this research I will be talking on the behalf of the developmental disability population and will be telling you a little bit of their story and what they and peoples with great heart have had to endure in their life. They are fighters who fight and struggle to live while others tell them they can 't. All they want is to be treated like a human being because that is what they are! From the earliest times, they have lived in the shadows and have been stepped over by those who think they are superior. Organization have been formed in order to get the best plan to help to this special population.…
Introduction Special education has made significant changes over the past years, partly due to the fact that people have stood up and made a change for the better toward children with disabilities. Children are no longer put into segregated hospitals and left to die and forgotten about. Children for many years were labeled as unlovable and a disgrace and hid away from society. Parents were faced with humiliation and public scorning for having a child with a disability and lived in fear. People are now more widely educated and have advanced over the past century to include children with disabilities as part of society and not simply a disgrace to be swept under the rug.…