Citizenship in School: Reconceptualizing Down Syndrome

 I found three quotes in this article that stood out to me. The author used the perceptive from people living with Down syndrome and the different challenges they encountered during their time spent in schools. “Mia finished school in segregated returned after graduation to take content-area courses originally denied her.” For example, Mia expressed how she felt about being in special ed. her entire life and the disadvantages in educational opportunities she missed out on because of the label that followed her because she was considered disabled. Once an individual has a label on them that society finds fitting it is rather difficult to escape the discrimination and stereotypes that follows that individual. I found this relatable to Lesley Grinner (SCWAMP) in regards to being able-bodied and how society would look down and judge someone with a disability.

I also found interesting Shayne the teacher who worked with a diverse group of students with disabilities. Her ability to listen and work with these different individuals she was able to assist them with becoming successful in their community in which they resided in. For example, her classroom associate Anne expressed to her she wanted to work in Hollywood. Shayne took it upon herself to find a movie rental shop which hired Anne to work in. This was an accomplishment for Anne to get away from previously work in education. With this transition Anne made she became successful and important in her community. “Shayne’s efforts with both her associate and students created a context in which traditionally devalued and dismissed individuals found community membership and connection within framework of academic, social and community achievement.” I was able to relate this to the “Freedom Writers”, how Ms.G was able to listen and communicate with each student on a personal level and help assist them with their individual needs in becoming successful as a student.

Last quote “Vygotsky found that the culture of segregation surrounding people with disabilities actually teaches underdevelopment of thinking through the isolation of children from socially valued opportunities.” Meaning in order for an individual with a disability to become successful in any given situation there must be people in their lives to help accomplish their dreams and also for their community to give them equal opportunities and not label a discriminate against them. I am able to relate this to the Tim Wise speech. Someone with a disadvantage because of a race, or disability will be left behind in the community or in education.

Here you can find a short video of a student with down syndrome opening his acceptance letter to college.

gwww.youtube.com/watch?v=HFs4_DXF1Qg