Wow this listserv has been swamped!
I am still not sure whether the reflections are endearing (in their naivety) or patronising (in the over emphasis on sympathy/empathy).
I would be intrigued to know if the course leader or if any of the students are disabled people themselves. It would be interesting to see the content of this course as the reflections seem to suggest that it attempts to present one unified history of disability, disabled people, disability politics and experiences of disability. In the UK, at least, the have a far more complex understanding of these matters. Also I would be interested to know what discipline or theoretical approach this course came from as the students seem in themselves to be an interesting site for further sociological study!
Finally from my own experience perhaps a student publication on reflection from the course would have been more appropriate as it would have focused their thoughts, produced a tangible outcome as well as avoided my inbox being flooded.
-----Original Message-----
From: The Disability-Research Discussion List [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of M. Fasick
Sent: 04 June 2010 15:17
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Final Reflection
M. Fasick
SPED 330
Final
Prompt: I assume if I move toward recognizing and respecting the beliefs and practices of others my chosen field will benefit in what ways?
It's like the saying goes, "You don't know what another person's life is like until you walked in their shoes". In moving towards recognizing and respecting the beliefs and practices of others, I have to first become aware of them. I must try to "walk" in their footsteps and follow the paths they have taken. In doing this I will not only be a better person, but I will be better able to serve and advocate for individuals with disabilities.
One step in recognizing and respecting the beliefs and practices of individuals with disabilities is to learn and understand disability history. In learning about the history of disability I can begin to recognize the struggle individuals with disabilities had to and continue to overcome. This "overcoming" is the result of cultural and societal views of disability. In learning about cultural and societies perspectives disability throughout history, I can apply these points of view into my chosen field of Special Education. As an educator of exceptional students, understanding how culture and society feels about disability will show me the barriers that I need to try and break. In throughout history some of these barriers include stereotyping and discrimination. Knowing the stereotypes and discrimination against individuals with disabilities will allow me to focus on ways to end them.
This focus will be channeled in my field though preparing my students to be independent individuals who are equally worthy of opportunities to follow their dreams and aspirations. Ending stereotyping and discrimination will allow for all equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities. However, this cannot be done by only one person. By recognizing and respecting the beliefs and practices of others will also benefit my field through disability advocacy. In being an advocate for disability, I will help teach other to recognize and respect individuals with disabilities. Furthermore, I can support individuals advocating for themselves.
Not only does recognizing and respecting the beliefs and practices of others befit myself, the field I am going into, and individuals with disabilities, but it also allows me to recognize and respect the beliefs and practices of others. In understanding the beliefs and practices of individuals, I can understand their history, culture, and their way of life. Knowing a person's belief and practices can help my field progress towards equality. By understanding each other respect for one another can occur.
In moving towards recognizing and respecting the beliefs and practices of others my chosen field will benefit by gaining someone who is passionate about supporting individuals with disabilities. Through recognizing and respecting the beliefs and practices of other, I will understand the history of disability, the individual, and barriers that continue to oppress and disrespect disability. Through this understanding I will be able to walk in someone else' shoes and support and create change.
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