ABLEISM

Hehir, Thomas. Improving Instruction for Students with Learning Needs: Confronting Ableism Educational Leadership. Feb 2007. Volume 64, No. 5, pg 8-14.

The article discusses the results of negative stereotypes and ignorant attitudes toward individuals with disabilities on their ability to succeed in the academic and social settings. The author introduces to the reader the idea of ableism and its impact on students with disabilities. Ableism can be defined as negative cultural attitudes toward disability can undermine opportunities for all students to participate fully in school and society. The article draws attention to the disparity in the severity of disabilities, he outlines various groups of learners and the effect that ableism has had on them. The article supports research that was conducted to demonstrate the social and academic learning environments that maximizes the learning opportunities of students with disabilities. The research has shown that ableist perspectives are harming students with disabilities. Because of ableism, students with disabilities are taught to view their disabilities in a negative light.

As a new teacher who teaches five students with diverse learning and behavioral disabilities the article was very informative. The author was able to provide a snap shot of the different type of disabilities and the needs of students. The article focuses on the flaws of the in education system. It hit home for me because I am now apart of the flawed education system. I agree with the author in the aspect that ableism is alive and kicking in our society. The author focused heavily on the negative attitudes that individuals have towards students with disabilities. One thing that he failed to address is taking into consideration the lack of knowledge that people have addressing the needs of students with learning disabilities. I do not think I am an ableist, on the other hand I do not think I have the proper knowledge or experience to make the best decisions needed for students and their needs. The author made it seem that everything was negative attitudes and stereotypes, that is not the case in many instances I believe.