I haven’t done the readings yet, but this is what strikes me after watching the module (as a preface, I realize these views are not exactly PC, but I take the struggle I have with them to be at least honest) The notion of lumping people with disabilities in with other minorities is a misleading generalization, in my opinion. The reason why: people with disabilities are truly at a disadvantage that cannot directly correspond to cultural insensitivities, unlike people of a different race or ethnicity. The module asks us to look at the question: why are people with disabilities disadvantaged? But we know why they are struggling: they are blind, they have trouble learning to read, they can’t modulate their feelings. I don’t mean to be coarse here, but ignoring that these conditions set up roadblocks to success, and looking to blame SOCIETY for their plight, this is not doing a favor to our students with disabilities. Are the statistics for adult success among people with disabilities shocking, depressing, maddening? Yes. Could we be doing more as a society to take these people under our wings and give them increased chances for success? Of course. But the reality is that these kids have not been dealt a great hand, and that they might need to work HARDER than Joe Plumber. To blame society and our lack of “cultural responsiveness” is to take that locus of control away from a student who might instead need the message: “You may not have the gifts that make success easy for you, but you will outwork those who have more advantages than you, and thus achieve the greater victory.” Sorry to rant, and to drift into sports analogy (I could be a Dustrin Pedroia speechwriter maybe). It always makes me uneasy to make inflammatory statements, but it’s also sometimes a compulsion for me to take a stand that might be challenging for me to hold, and for others to consider. Anyway, I make the statement in the spirit of debate, and I truly welcome your comments. Sam
