Disabled and Autistic students in public schools.

[taylordvd]

So I told the other teacher friend, who specializes in mentally handicapped kids, about this story. Her reply was, yes, she'd heard these cute stories, and that's sweet and all, but when these kids graduate and they don't know how to wash their face and brush their teeth, what good is it to know about rocks? They need to be taught to exist in society.

I agree with this. But I also want to ask that if you feel that the autistic and special needs kids get denied an education if they are not put in regular classrooms, then what about the child who has a high IQ and is very bright. Should they demand that the school provide them with AP classes when they get in high school? Some school districts can not provide that for financial reasons and some parents are just not able to homeschool those types of classes. The child can not help it if they have a disability, but they also can not help it if they are bright either.

[~~Who,Me?~~]

And I think that might be the most ignorant, uneducated post I've ever read on HUTC.

Just because a child is not capable of demonstrating ability to learn/benefit in the traditional sense, then they shouldn't be in school. Brilliant. Are you this child's doctor or developmental pediatrician, so you can confirm that he had absolutely ZERO ability to learn? And even if that were the case, does that mean we give up on people? Ok, then let's just close all the schools in the inner cities and rural areas that have the low graduation rates, because if those kids can't demonstrate an ability to learn, then where's the wisdom in keeping them in school?

I'm supposed to take my kids to a petting farm today, but since my child can't talk or demonstrate that he's learning or benefitting from it, then really where's the wisdom in taking him. I guess we could go back to the 1950s where handicapped people are just locked in rooms and left to die.

So glad I have chosen a life to advocate for people with disabilities, looks like some still have a very backwards mentality.

[taylordvd]

And I think that might be the most ignorant, uneducated post I've ever read on HUTC.

Just because a child is not capable of demonstrating ability to learn/benefit in the traditional sense, then they shouldn't be in school. Brilliant. Are you this child's doctor or developmental pediatrician, so you can confirm that he had absolutely ZERO ability to learn? And even if that were the case, does that mean we give up on people? Ok, then let's just close all the schools in the inner cities and rural areas that have the low graduation rates, because if those kids can't demonstrate an ability to learn, then where's the wisdom in keeping them in school?

I'm supposed to take my kids to a petting farm today, but since my child can't talk or demonstrate that he's learning or benefitting from it, then really where's the wisdom in taking him. I guess we could go back to the 1950s where handicapped people are just locked in rooms and left to die.

So glad I have chosen a life to advocate for people with disabilities, looks like some still have a very backwards mentality.

I did not say any of those things you are saying I said. Please re-read my post.

[rbunnymom]

I see. So then, let's just make things cheaper and less hassle for all of us---only those that are capable of getting As and Bs and do so consistently should be in school.

Because if you have no means of communication and need 1:1 (even if your parents have arranged it), really, there's no "wisdom" in you being there, right?

How friggin cold and heartless can you be? I mean, even those of use who do have non-verbal children, they absolutely communicate with us. I know that my son enjoys school, even though he doesn't talk with his classmates.

But since he can't read, write or talk, let's just take him out--that's what you're suggesting?

Most of you know I have a handicapped child, so I am leaving this thread and not coming back, because I know it will get much too emotional for me. And Beth, you knows I heart ya, but I'm really sad that you started it--even though you were "told" to do it, you knew where this would go.

For one, I am not "friggin cold and heartless" and that comment was totally unnecessary. I truly do feel for you and others that have handicapped children and have more life experiences than you realize. My post may have come across that way because I was speaking of a very extreme case that in reality I assume rarely happens. The parents of this child felt hard to have this child in the school. Perhaps he can learn and I am wrong. Observations by all around him and his nurse(RN not an aide) were that she sat him in the library handling his medical care most of the day. I worked in the library so have first hand knowledge of this. He did not interact with other students. It was truly "babysitting" by the school. This child's needs were not adequately being met but because the parents demanded he be in the public school system, he was placed at my school. I am sorry to have offended you.

So, I believe that a child such as this should be in an environment that is much more suitable for him. I don't believe the school he was meeting that need. The use of the wording learn was incorrect. You are right, unless brain-dead, all can learn and have the right to be educated to best of his/her ability.

[rbunnymom]

*fought not felt

[Kulis]

We expect our public school to provide an education for everyone from the highly gifted and talented to those barely able to express what they are learning. Sometimes so many resources are dedicated to those at extreme ends of the spectrum that kids who are "average" get overlooked.
That said, if my child were one of those highly gifted and talented kids, who I think fall under the special education umbrella, you bet I would advocate for advanced classes or programs for him.

[rbunnymom]

This is a very emotional topic for many, esp. parents living it. Can we keep the personal attacks out of the discussion? If so, it will be more beneficial to all. I realize it is HUTC but common courtesy should apply.

We can all agree that each child can learn at some capacity.

The issue is whether the public school system is the appropriate place for ALL children. It may not be depending on THAT child's situation. The decision on that does have to be made by the parent, educators and child's doctor/psychologist. Reasonable accommodations need to be made for the child's education. Sometimes, I feel there are parents (NOT ALL parents) that expect the school to jump through hoops and make UNreasonable accommodations for their child. I am not saying this child should not be educated.

[rbunnymom]

I obviously do not know the situation with this child...but no parents of many kiddo's in very similar situations...severe CP...severe brain trama...severe metabolic diseases...and everyone you would be amazed how very much those children know and learn...just because there brain won't speak...doesn't mean they are not speaking on the inside. They are able to use devices...through finger touching, or eye gazing...to tell there parents and teachers what they are wanting/feeling/ect.

Thank you for posting this. Do you think it is reasonable though for a child such as the one I mentioned to be placed(in his wheelchair) in a section of the school library all day with his nurse just so he can be "educated"? I know I am missing something with the story of the child I mentioned. Please enlighten me (this is not meant as snarky).

[Lori63]

Thank you for posting this. Do you think it is reasonable though for a child such as the one I mentioned to be placed(in his wheelchair) in a section of the school library all day with his nurse just so he can be "educated"? I know I am missing something with the story of the child I mentioned. Please enlighten me (this is not meant as snarky).

rbunny-(not being snarky by addressing you, just trying to answer your ?)that would not have happened in my school. I think the situation you mention is not ideal.. We had an 8 year old with multiple issues in a wheelchair. He was taken to PE and the kids included him; art and the kids 'helped' him do the activities; music and he loved it. Did he "learn"-I'm sure he did. Could he prove that he learned? no.
I work in a school with a HUGE poorer population and parents in jail, on drugs, etc. Only saying that because we are not a 'rich' school with unlimited resources.I truly feel that all the children benefit from being with all kinds of students.
Of course we also have a phenomenal staff of teachers.

[rbunnymom]

Thanks Lori. I think if the child had been included in the classroom and such as you mentioned it would have made sense. As it was, it didn't seem right. This was years ago. Perhaps he would be included more now due to the changes in educational rules/laws, etc.