Sunday, November 20, 2011

extended comments to Mabel's blog :)

 Kliewer, "Citizenship in School: Reconceptualizing Down Syndrome"

I just absolutely HAD to base my blog this week around Mabel's post and the video that she showed. (http://mabel-torres-torres.blogspot.com/2011/11/talking-point-9.html) That was one of the most disturbing videos i have ever watched. To think that a teacher could be so cruel to student about something they have no control over and cannot change about themselves. Why on earth would you put yourself into the field of education if you can't contain your rude comments or respect the needs and wishes of a student?

I completely agree that students with down syndrome or any other sort of special need suffer from a form of segregation. Now of course there are many logical reasons as to why they have been separated into a different classroom, but there's no reason to treat them any differently than a students without down syndrome. On page 72 Kliewer shows a quote from Freire, "Dialogue cannot occur... between those who deny others the right to speak their word and those whose right to speak has been denied them." Every student, whether they have down syndrome or not, has a voice that deserves to be heard. Kliewer later on says, "A sense of reciprocity  shared value exists in relationships in which individuals, including those with severe disabilities, are recognized as thinking, feeling, caring human beings with personalities all their own." I think this is one of the most important quotes in the reading. I have a friend who's little sister has down syndrome, and let me tell you she says some of the most random, but cutest things I've ever heard. She will talk to anyone who will listen and shines brighter than anyone I know. She has a heart of gold, and I hope she never forgets it. She does not deserve to be put down for disabilities, or made fun of for them. She is a living and breathing human being who has thoughts and ideas just like everyone else.

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