Disability History - Links included

 We are all probably watching more videos than we were a few months ago- because what else are you doing? Honestly?

So let's have you learn something that you likely never learned in a history class.  Did you know that Washington state has a LAW that all students are supposed to be educated on disability- ALL STUDENTS.

The Revised Code of Washington (RCW 28A.230.158) includes this statement of findings:
“The legislature finds that annually recognizing disability history throughout our entire public educational system, from kindergarten through grade twelve and at our colleges and universities, during the month of October will help to increase awareness and understanding of the contributions that people with disabilities in our state, nation, and the world have made to our society. The legislature further finds that recognizing disability history will increase respect and promote acceptance and inclusion of people with disabilities. The legislature further finds that recognizing disability history will inspire students with disabilities to feel a greater sense of pride, reduce harassment and bullying, and help keep students with disabilities in school.”

Well I can tell you as high school teacher that October came and went and this was not included in the curriculum of any teacher at my school (that I am aware of) outside of special education.

During closure a wonderful movie called "Crip Camp" came out on Netflix.  This movie takes a look at the disability rights activists who made major shifts during the latter part of the 20th century-specifically around putting section 504 into law. It got me thinking about the progress that we have made as a society to support students with disabilities in the last 55 years but also how much we are still failing and how far we have to go.

Brown v. Board of education was in 1954- it determined that separate but equal is unconstitutional  when applied to race, why should disability be any different?
But I watch now as students with disabilities are separated, contained and taught by someone who may or may not have a license in that content area. It's not equal and it's a fight we continue to have.  Every student deserves access to general education setting, it may look different, sound different, but it's about access and inclusion.

What is now called IDEA- Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act was put into effect in 1975-But it took until the re-authorization of 2011 for General education teachers to be included on the IEP team- when all students are general education students first.

Inclusion students in the truly LEAST RESTRICTIVE setting as much as possible is the goal for all of our students no matter how impacted they are. When we set high bars students reach them. There is significant evidence to suggest that ALL students learn better in inclusive classrooms. 

It's important to know and understand the culture of disability in this country. To understand where we have been in the last half century, the mindsets that still exist in this country and where we are going.

Where we have been:
Willowbrook- If you are not familiar with Willowbrook or have not seen the documentary you need to. This is what it meant for thousands of people and families to live with disability in this country in the last half of the 20th century. It is not easy to watch. It is painful and sad and distrubbing, but if anything that's why it needs to be watched and understood. There are several follow up films to Willowbrook, 10 years later, 25 years later and 30 years later Part 1 and Part 2 if you are interested.

Crip Camp- On Netflix- I wish I would have learned about these amazing people when I was in school. To connect to someone like me who was different but a badass would have been life changing.

Ada Legacy Project With 31 unique moments to look at or use as classroom supports.  

One out of 5 is a series of videos and lessons that are differentiated for all learning levels and access needs to talk about disability. A colleague of mine was part of this project- super proud of her for doing this she rocks. 

Time line
Timeline 2
A 25 year history of IDEA

Well you got all the way to the end- thank you. Thank you for taking the time to learn about something that is a part of me. That is important. That is why I do the work I do. Hopefully next fall we can all teacher about disability.

Signing off for now
-C