Do our classrooms and communities welcome students and citizens who have been marginalized and do we recognize the value of their contributions? 

Are disabled students missed when they aren't with their classmates in general education classrooms? 

Are students with disabilities only included when they are doing the same work everyone else is, putting in the effort to prove they are worthy enough? 

Yesterday we had the chance to reflect on some powerful advice as we watched the documentary, A Credo for Support.  Thank you to all who were able to join us live and sent me your supportive vibes! 

If you missed the live show, check out the replay. Click on this link, or on the image below.  Then add your thoughts and questions in the comments so we can keep the conversation going!

*"For me, issues of autonomy and consent are central to the human experience but as a society we ignore them when it comes to disability for the sake of convenience, but at the cost of dignity." K.E.

*Cruelty is meant to evoke shock and pain.  We need to express our love and concerns with the same level of frequency so others don't have a choice but to feel our energy." S.P.

*"I wish it wasn't so hard for individuals with disabilities.  People still think they are less!!  On a brighter note I see L.'s typical peers "truly" being her friend.  Choosing to play with L.!  Because they like L. for who she is!  And she likes them too!" A. K.

*"Absolutely you are correct...and it is emotional to hear our child's pleas for opportunities and our continued fight to see them realized." C.M.

*Assume competence that's the key." L.A.
 

"I might use this at the IEP meetings. Love it." A.J.

*School board meetings, Teacher professional development days, for a parent group, advisory meetings, PTA program...

It's our child's voice that matters.  It's their dreams that matter.  We need to give the microphone to our children.

Here are examples of how some of viewers have support their child's advocacy:

*"Attending IEP meetings and took him to state boe meeting. Next another stop at state boe meeting given their decision to allow emergency teaching certificates for spe Ed teachers." C.M.  It's our child's voice that matters.  It's their dreams.

*I agree - I want him at the table.  If they wouldn't say it to my kid's face they shouldn't say it to me!" A.M.

*Now that IEPs seemed to have gone virtual, my daughter is no longer interested in them or sitting in front of her teachers.  She has attended them in the past when in person." A.J.

* If Jim Henson (creator of muppets etc.) hosted an IEP meeting my son would join it virtually.  Creativity is the right approach." S.P.

 

*"My daughter worked on a project in History with a little support from her teacher on how to research it and find images.  She made slides for a powerpoint, had a peer help edit it and she presented it and loved the whole thing.  6th grade." A.J.*I agree - I want him at the table.  If they wouldn't say it to my kid's face they shouldn't say it to me!" A.M.

* "My son has been fully included in gen ed since kindergarten (now 5th grade)...last week a few parents of his classmates told me how much they appreciate my son being in their class.  That he has taught their kids to see beyond differences and find the strengths & beauty in others." K.S.

*"Celebration: the paras at our school are getting more comfortable talking with me." K.E. 

*"I presented to mixed group of PTA and Special Education PTA parents, staff, administrators/superintendent last night - was well-received and opened door for folks outside of special education to hear a juicy and bold intro to inclusive education...I am sure to say SAME things no matter who is in the room - break down barriers and walls YET I am still beyond terrified for my kid's experience and potential for school-induced trauma." A.P.