FNED 502 Social Issues in education

June 14, 2018

Disability Studies in Education: The Need for a Plurality of Perspectives on Disability

Written by Susan Baglieri, Jan W. Valle, David J. Connor, and Deborah J. Gallagher

This journal article argues that the field of special education, historically founded on conceptions of disability originating within scientific, psychological, and medical frameworks, will benefit from acknowledging broader understandings of disability. For many individuals, disability is primarily best understood within social, cultural, and historical contexts. As career-long educators, the authors of the article describe the emergence of Disability Studies in Education.  Since the passage of the Pl 94-142 and the growth of the Disability Rights Movement, The meaning of “disability” have expanded an evolved. This is no longer attributed to the deficit-based medical model.  

When classifying/diagnosing a child as having a disability, in most cases the limitations placed on the student(s) can directly come from different factors. The child/children who have health issues, children of low socio-economic status will also be more like to be classify/diagnosed as having an educational disability.    

This “classification label” negatively affects children who will exhibit low self-esteem once they are labeled.  “Students who are identified as students with disabilities may doubt themselves, feel that they are not as smart as others and create a sense of learned helplessness. These students may feel that they cannot do well in school or are not smart. As educators all personnel involved in the special education program(s) must be open and willing to dialogue. We must recognized and welcome the perspectives about the nature of disability and what it entitles.

The article presents two groups which have different ideas about what the nature of disability is. The Instrumentalists and the Reconceptualists. The position of both sides poses a genuine threat to the well-being of the special education field. Even though both parties have different views, they can still be open for dialogue. It is possible for both sides to come to a consensus of the nature of disability and educational practices/policies that surrounds the phenomenon of disability.   

All sides must be open and willing to agree on a system that will benefit all students including those identified with a disability. We must find ways to help students succeed socially and educationally, by eliminating the big label that puts a limit limits on their performance. Students will prosper once they are trained to become successful. Teachers and families must have high expectations, which will help them acknowledge their capabilities. We must provide students with a school environment where love, high expectations, believe are welcome. In return, student’s self-esteem will rise and they will excel in school and in life.  

Agreeing on different issues/ideas/concepts can be difficult task for different agencies as everyone forms their own idea/thought about education and about the policies that need to be implemented. Educators must advocate for our students, especially for our special population students. People’s perception about children with disabilities is that they cannot and will not do well in school and in life. They are convinced that they have the truth and will not accept anyone else’s ideas/thoughts as being valid and accurate.  

If we want to work together to help our students succeed, we must be willing to communicate with people that may not share the same opinion. Making sure student’s classroom environment is one where positivism, caring, diversity, love, collaboration is welcome and accepted will promote safe environment to learn.  We must learn to accept other’s opinions even if we think they are wrong. We must allow them to tell their stories. We must make sure that we do not exclude the voices of people with disabilities. Allowing students to tell their stories, and share their goals and aspirations in a judgement free environment, will empower them. They will achieve as they fell included. They will also feel dignified. People with disabilities must feel dignified and honor, they deserve to be treated just as a non-disabled person would.