I work at a school which provides a transition from high school to the world beyond. My students are the most severely disabled of our group. For my students inclusion includes eating with their less severely disabled peers and walking through the adjacent adult ed campus. They deserve more., We also interact with our community by visiting local nursing homes and job sites where we provide light janitorial work. We are usually met with warm and friendly smiles and words of encouragement which underestimate my student's ability to contribute to and for their community... none the less a warm friendly smile is always welcome and through the products of our community endeavors our contacts will see the potential we have to contribute......
Well that was my knee jerk response. In addition I wish my students were seen as peers and contributing members of our society rather than as aberrations. Most people's initial reactions to my students are uncomfortable warm and pity filled. Inclusion ultimately will necessitate a change in non disabled people's attitude to expect responsible accountability from their disabled peers.
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