Kliewer, “Citizenship in School: Reconceptualizing Down Syndrome”

Kliewer, “Citizenship in School: Reconceptualizing Down Syndrome”

“Those who appear not to make use of these conditions (supposedly open to all), or who appear to lack the potential to accrue privileges, are systematically devalued as less than full citizens-charged as they are with having the differences that matter.”

·         This quote explains how Special Ed students, specifically Down Syndrome students, are treated as less than equal. People see them as less than full citizens, therefore they are not privileged as other citizens are. This is not fair and sad because people do not realize the important influences that they have to offer.

“The move to merge the education of children with and without disabilities is based on the belief that to enter the dialogue of citizenship does not require spoken, or indeed outspoken, language. Rather communication is built on one’s ability to listen deeply to others. It is an act through which each of our lives comes to be defined by those around us as precious and irreplaceable.”

·         This quote explains that the best education is to learn from others by listening. Every person’s story is different but equally important. I really love this quote. I believe everyone has something to offer and everyone has different strengths and weaknesses that they can share and teach one another to ultimately make the world a better place.

“It’s not like they come here to be labeled, or to believe the label. We’re all here—kids, teachers, parents, whoever--It’s about all of us working together, playing together, being together, and that’s what learning is. Don’t tell me any of these kids are being set up to fail.”

·         This quote explains how this particular school does not believe in separating students but instead having them all embrace one another. This explains how school should be where it all starts, where segregation stops and where you learn to respect one another as equals. I love the way this school is run.

Question to share: How would you run your school?

I liked and shared this picture below because it shows a big group of children, some with down syndrome, some without and they all look so happy and comfortable to be together.

The link below is an awesome video that shows a little girl with Down Syndrome being fully integrated in school and how it seems to benefit her and the other students so much. This video reminds me of the quote about the school integrating everyone.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kFQpqigIcOY