Miss-Delectable
New Member
- Joined
- Apr 18, 2004
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http://www.canada.com/reginaleaderp....html?id=55bb2845-7ac2-4673-a55a-b26d1d6f8a88
I would like to respond to the July 10 article "Deaf students applaud specialized schools." When claims are made that children with certain disabilities cannot, or should not, learn in regular public schools, it puts us on a slippery slope. "Special" schools were not originally built as a best practice, but out of desperation by parents who were told their children didn't belong in public schools. The continuing existence of "specialized" schools speaks to our public schools' inability to respond to students with diverse needs and help them reach their academic potential.
The reaction to create a segregated environment for students with disabilities sends the message to these kids that they don't belong and cannot socialize or learn with their peers. As a result of segregation, these kids will likely find it much harder to fit in to the community and the workforce as adults. Perhaps even more significantly, in our communities they will be forever seen as not belonging.
While we recognize the importance of the deaf culture, pride in one's culture and identity does not necessitate separation from the broader community. The solution is not more special schools; it is to create public schools that welcome and accommodate diversity so no students have to feel that they don't belong.
Faith Bodnar
Bodnar is executive director of the Saskatchewan Association for Community Living.
Saskatoon
I would like to respond to the July 10 article "Deaf students applaud specialized schools." When claims are made that children with certain disabilities cannot, or should not, learn in regular public schools, it puts us on a slippery slope. "Special" schools were not originally built as a best practice, but out of desperation by parents who were told their children didn't belong in public schools. The continuing existence of "specialized" schools speaks to our public schools' inability to respond to students with diverse needs and help them reach their academic potential.
The reaction to create a segregated environment for students with disabilities sends the message to these kids that they don't belong and cannot socialize or learn with their peers. As a result of segregation, these kids will likely find it much harder to fit in to the community and the workforce as adults. Perhaps even more significantly, in our communities they will be forever seen as not belonging.
While we recognize the importance of the deaf culture, pride in one's culture and identity does not necessitate separation from the broader community. The solution is not more special schools; it is to create public schools that welcome and accommodate diversity so no students have to feel that they don't belong.
Faith Bodnar
Bodnar is executive director of the Saskatchewan Association for Community Living.
Saskatoon