This week was a huge eye opener for me. We started off the week by watching a video about an institution in Serbia, that is filled with people who have all sorts of disabilities. These disabled people are living under horrible conditions. I honestly didn't know institutions like this still existed. This made me realize how fortunate we are here in the US, and how blessed we are to have special needs people live in our community. I could not imagine as a parent just giving up my child to live in an institution for the rest of their lives. Most parents don't ever visit their children. This is just unbelievable and sickening to me. Those who have disabilities should be included in a community just like everyone else. Just because someone is different then you, you should throw them in an institution for the rest of their lives? We need to learn to accept those who are different, and include them in this life.
In this weeks readings, we read chapter 1 out of the textbook. We covered a lot of the laws and cases that go along with special education. I had always thought there were so many laws attached to special education, but we need those laws, in fact I am now thankful for them. if we didn't have laws, we may still have institutions like the one in Serbia. I am a strong believer that everyone should have a chance at life, disabled or not. Since there are so many laws, it allows the disabled to have that chance.
Something else I learned this week is my educational philosophy is always changing. In Fall 2014, I created an educational philosophy brochure in my ED200 class. This week I revised my philosophy and man has it changed. This last semester I was in the classroom actually teaching, and I think this is why it changed so much. I think that it is important for us to be open to change in our philosophies, because it is constantly changing. Every class is different every student is different, and your beliefs and philosophies will change with each class.
"The worst thing about a disability is that people see it before they see you." -Easter Seals
Accept those who are different. See them for who they are, not for their disabilities. Respect them. Give them a chance at life.
I LOVE your quote at the bottom! And I think that it is so true! So many people look at those with disabilities and only see the disability. We need to learn to remember that these are people--children of God--just as much as we are! They are not defined by what they can and cannot do.
ReplyDeleteMy educational philosophy is always changing as well. I have found a couple of different things that I have written over the years with my educational philosophies. It is amazing how much it has changed! For me, it was spending time in the classroom as well. Having real world experience changes how I see the world and my philosophies on it.
I agree with Lucy! Your quote at the bottom is awesome and very true! I also think that we are so blessed to live in the United States. We truly have come a long ways as a nation. I also like to remember that we once weren't where we are today. We too had troubles with acceptance and did not treat people the way that they deserved to be treated. This gives me hope for countries like Serbia. I hope that one day they will be able to reach acceptance for others as well. I also liked how you talked about how your philosophy has changed. I think it will always be changing. Thanks so much for your insight. It has given me a new outlook on the things that we learned this week.
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