Chapter One: Perspectives on Disability

   Chapter one, Perspectives on Disability, brings attention to several important ideas about the history of disability that society should be aware of in the field of special education. I feel that not only should teachers understand the needs of people with disabilities, but society should as well. My reason for feeling this way is because society greatly impacts our lives. The way people look at us, speak to us, think about us, and react towards us all affects who we are and who we become, whether positively or negatively. 
     When reflecting on the reading, my cousin Michael comes to mind. Michael is now 20 years old and the happiest, sweetest guy I know. Michael was diagnosed with down-syndrome when he was born, but has never let it stop him. Michael has accomplished all of his goals and does so with determination. However, in a conversation with Michael he did share with me where his determination came from. Michael has had people whisper or stare as he walked past them. People laughing at his dreams or goals. People telling him, "Michael, you can't. He has also experienced the positives and negatives of being labeled with down-syndrome. All of which I see the actual power of language. In agreeance with this reading, Michael told me, he wants people to see him for Michael, not for having down-syndrome. He says it does not define him or explain who his is and I could not agree with him more. Although people's words and actions hurt Michael's feelings, he has several people who love Michael for him and support him in all that he does. He said that is what makes him ignore the negativity and to keep believing in himself, because if he doesn't, who will? Several people with disabilities go through this every day and if you get people to think about it, I am sure we have all felt what Michael felt. When you put it that way, we start to realize that we can all relate and are all human. The power of language is extremely strong and we need to think about how we use our words and how they effect others. 
          Along with our words, we must give thought to classification. In some cases, classification may be extremely beneficial, but in others could cause negative outcomes. I believe that in order for a student receive the appropriate services under IDEA, he or she must be classified. Classification also provides justification and indication of why an individual may be experiencing difficulty in a specific area. However, classification can begin to define an individual and effect people's outlooks on the individuals capabilities. Therefore, we must remember, "classification does not mean that all members of the group are identical, just that they share some specific characteristics or traits." This statement is one to always remember because I believe that although three individuals may have the same disability, they are not the same and do not necessarily have the same needs. Each individual deserves to be noticed and treated individually.
         This chapter also focused on the history of disability and allowed me to see how much society has grown. I was shocked while reading, "when allowed to live, persons with developmental disabilities sometimes served as jesters and clowns." I knew that people had always been cruel with words, but never realized that a disability was so frowned upon that individuals with disabilities were seen as not deserving to live.  I was appalled and angered at the way that people were treated and looked at upon the years. Although we still experience some negativity, I am pleased to see that several laws and acts have been in place to include individuals with disabilities and provide individuals with the services they need. 
        Overall, this chapter was extremely eye-opening for me because it allowed me to see what families and students go through emotionally, socially, and physically. As a future educator, it is important for me to understand this and connect to my students and their guardians to provide them with a successful experience. It also brought to my attention the growth of society and our need to keep growing together.