Hehir Quotes
“Include Ableism as part of schools’ overall diversity efforts”
I noticed that when we talk about inclusivity, disabilities are either not included or at the back end of the conversation. I remember one of our classmates (I believe it was Tessa) said that for students who had larger disabilities they had support, but for students who could be in regular classes, they slipped through the cracks. I think schools don’t put enough resources into helping those students, and they don’t seem to be a priority regarding inclusivity efforts. I know some schools have training on race and social justice, and I think if they included disability training, it would give teachers the tools to support students with disabilities in their classrooms.
“However, the lens of ableism should lead to the recognition that for some students, certain disability-related skills might need attention outside the regular classroom. Learning Braille or ASL or how to use a communication device are typically not in the curriculum and might be more efficiently taught outside the mainstream classroom.”
This stood out to me because it addressed a concern I had while reading this, which was “ How do we incorporate education for disabled students along with curriculum for non-disabled students?” This provides a solution to this question; however, in the same sense, it brings up another concern similar to that of ESL students. Students should never be completely isolated from another group of students since, eventually, both parties will need to learn how to interact with each other outside of school. However, I think balancing separate learning classrooms with mainstream classes will be beneficial for both students with disabilities and those who are not disabled.
“Promote high standards, not high stakes. An important point to reiterate here is that the most damaging ableist assumption is the belief that disabled people are incapable.”
I have a cousin who is autistic, and I know that some things will be harder for him than they would be for a neurotypical person, but he shouldn’t be deemed as “dumb” or “ incapable” of what he wants to achieve. Schools should provide people like my cousin with the support they need as well as encourage them and push them to try things that they or others wouldn’t believe they could do. This quote reminded me of the video I linked to this blog. The woman in the video has Down syndrome, and she explains how when you make assumptions about people with disabilities, it affects their views of their own capability. I think it is essential for teachers to push their students, and if they can’t reach a particular goal, the response should be to try to help them instead of disregarding it entirely.
Our negative assumptions about people with Down syndrome can lead us t... | TikTok
Excellent point. In my opinion, educators and schools ought to be able to assist students with disabilities in the same manner that they assist students without disabilities.
ReplyDeleteHello! I enjoyed the way you chose to analyze this reading! I love the last sentence of your blog, which states that students should be pushed to continue their progress even if the goal isn't met when imagined!
ReplyDeleteI like how you analyzed the video; how if you say or think someone with a disability is incapable it will mess with the way they view their own capability. The power of words is so important. Everyone should have the assistance and tools they need to guide them in life.
ReplyDeleteHi Joanmarie! I love the third quote you chose that states “Promote high standards, not high stakes." I feel as if you analyzed each quote very well and I love how you connected it to your own personal life.
ReplyDelete