Monday, November 30, 2009

Talking Points on Kliewer

This article really hit home. Not only does it affect me because I have lived with a handicapped sibling for sixteen years but it also gave me a chance to see a very dark subject for me in a whole new light. Although Kliewer wasn't the easiest writer to comprehend at first, rereading his material definitely helped to understand the points that he was trying to make.

#1. First off the story of Mia definitely set the tone for the remainder of his article. As a primary talking point, those dealing with a handicap of any sort deal with troubles like these on a daily basis. Being segregated and "thrown aside" as a result of a learning handicap should never be the case. Regardless of whether or not they are deaf, blind, or physically handicap, isolation is never the answer to ensuring success. When Mia states that she "was so mad, I wanted to cry" it really hit home at understanding how frustrating it is to be considered "special-ed" when society isn't entirely kind to those who suffer disability. Several times in the past, my brother has asked me why he is deaf and what he can do to get rid of it. I honestly, to this day, do not know how to answer that to him.

#2. On Page 81, a large paragraph discusses what educators need to do in order to maintain a fulfilling environment to their students ( of all different ability levels of course). The steps mentioned here, in creating an open-minded diverse environment which fits the needs of ALL students is exactly what should be guaranteed at EVERY school across America, regardless of town-wide funding. My old school, in particular, I remember worked very hard to create a sustainable environment for a freshman (when I was a junior) who was handicap in a wheel chair. A ramp was added to two of the doors of the science wing and wider tables were added to the cafeteria. While alot of my peers complained about "wasted funding", I saw how much of a difference this made for the student (His name is Matt).

#3. Another main idea to pull from and explore from this article would be the concept that these are oversized problems in what we consider a "democratic" society. While freedom and the liberty of ideas is supposed to help govern us all, it is almost ironic that these are the same ideas that are holding back our country from moving in the right direction with special education. For a society held up so highly on being "liberal and democratic" it is truly sad and irritating that these kids cannot be given equal opportunities to LEARN, especially when their learning abilities are often far beyond their control. Keeping kids from distractions, limitations and personal fears are highly important in creating a sterile and comforting work environment. This "democratic society" that we speak of is more-so-than-not lopsided that it affects kids of all different ability levels.

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