Abstract
This chapter is designed to inform and educate the reader about the trials and tribulations of two young men with disabilities. Their journey through the K–16 educational system is discussed, as are their triumphs and struggles as they learn to survive in a nondisabled world. The chapter relates the two men's scenarios to the theory of social justice as well as breaks down the most common myths and misconceptions about people with exceptionalities. The chapter concludes by conveying instructional strategies developed by the University of Michigan School of Education's Teaching Works and the University of Florida's CEEDAR Center and the Council for Exceptional Children that can be used by any teacher to get to know their students well and develop successful intervention strategies.
TopWilliam’S Story
A LETTER FROM A FRIEND
Key Terms in this Chapter
Individual Educational Plan (IEP): A plan for a student with an identified exceptionality that assists them in learning the grade-level academic standards.
High-Level Thinking Skills: The demonstration by students of analytical or critical thinking skills related to a learning standard as opposed to the simple recall of pertinent information.
Extracurricular Activities: Clubs, sports, or any school-sanctioned activity after regular school hours.
Individuals With Disabilities Educational Act (IDEA): A federal law that guarantees a fair and inclusive education for K–12 students with a disability.
Incarceration: Being held as punishment after being tried and convicted of breaking a law; placed in jail.
Segregating: Separating students with disabilities and educating them with other who have similar disabilities rather than inclusively educating them with their nondisabled grade- and age-level peers.
Equity: Meeting a disabled student’s specific needs in a fair, equitable fashion that is on par with treatment of nondisabled students.
Advocate: A parent, teacher, or other individual who stands up for a disabled student’s rights.
Modalities: Different methods to educate a student with and without a disability (e.g., auditory, visual, and/or kinesthetic).
Misconceptions: Untruths about an idea or concept.