Accomodations vs. Exclusion

Sharon left a comment on this earlier post. This is her reply:

It's a double edge sword. It's great that AMC is accommodating.

But it sucks that we have to go to a "special" time because most people don't understand and are not willing to accept.

I think what she says is so true. I was hesitant to comment that my initial reaction about these "special move showings" was very mixed. I too think it's nice when businesses (as well as schools!) make accommodations, and this is no exception. There is a theater about 40 minutes away who also offers such showings. We've never gone, because of the drive. Also, for now, the 2-3 times per year we go to the movies, things have gone fine. I was startled reading this article, as my child has gotten up and danced around, jumped, scooted up and down the steps. So far, and I guess we are lucky, no one has complained. We try to go to shows that are less crowded, prepare my daughter ahead of time, and always have an aisle seat.

I suppose if my child were kicked out of a movie, I would drive the extra distance to the special showing. However, at the same time, I think I would take extreme issue with the theater. I would certainly let my views heard, to say the least. I have been in the movie with a baby crying (and not just for a second, I mean repeated crying, and this was in an R-rated movie). We all see the obvious "turn off your cell phones!" messages on the big screen--and yet, phones ringing is still an issue. Plenty of adults are annoying in the theater--critiquing each part or just talking aloud. In every children's movie I have gone to see, there's always been at least a couple of children speaking or whispering, laughing louder and longer, etc. The point is--whatever movie you are seeing, chances are there will be some distraction. You are in public, people. What do you expect?

It would be nice if the public wouldn't simply point at our children and say their behavior is unacceptable. It's a double-standard. If you truly cannot sit in a public theater and put up with some noise or distraction, then I suggest you stay home and rent a movie. The same goes for you if you are at a family restaurant (I'm talking about say Chili's, Friday's, etc. not Tavern On the Green!) and a child is "annoying" you. Stay home! If you go out into public, you must be tolerant of others, plain and simple.

One the flip side of that, I do appreciate special accommodations. My child happens to do fairly well in theaters, but I can see the benefit of lower sound, altered lighting, and no trailers. I can see this as being the only way for some families to attend the movies together. There is something to be said about being in a comfortable environment, where everyone understands your child. I know that when we get together with families from my daughter's special ed class, it seems to be an easier, more relaxed time. None of us need to explain or feel judged if our child behaves a certain way. No one stares if our child stims or has a meltdown. We've all "been there, done that." It is so nice to be with a group that you can relate to, and who relates to you. It feels safe, and I suspect our children feel the same way.

It would be nice if our children would all be accepted, and society would be more tolerant. I think, as messages like this come into the mainstream, we will get closer to that. For now, it seems like a nearly unattainable Utopia, and as such, our only option may be separate programs (in some cases) for our children. I do push strongly for inclusion, no doubt. But, I do see a place for special accommodations--even if that may mean exclusion some of the time.

Inclusion

Following the Alex Barton story, the topic of inclusion was one many were discussing. Friends and family have talked to me about it. I think, first and foremost, inclusion has a place and should be available to every child. I'm a big believer that not only do disabled students gain from an inclusive setting, but that the typically developing peers gain a enormous amount (tolerance, understanding, to name two) as well. I also feel that inclusion is not always the answer, not all the time. Some children do better in a small classroom setting. Some need more supports and services only available in a special education class. The bottom line is this: inclusion should be available to every student. "All qualified persons with disabilities within the jurisdiction of a school district are entitled to a free appropriate public education." For some that will mean a (separate) special education setting, for others mainstreamed with typically developing peers, and still for others, a mix of both. Whatever the individual outcome or placement, the goal should always be in finding the most appropriate setting for each child.

My daughter is in a special education program at this point. Our district, and truly our state, is not one that has wonderful services for autism (or anything else under the special education umbrella). I don't even know if I could call the services "bare bones," as that seems like giving them too much credit. We have talked seriously about moving, especially when our child gets older, to have more services (specifically ones catered to her needs). I would say only about 60% of her needs are being addressed and met in her program. We supplement with private therapies and accommodations (provided by us).

There is discussion of mainstreaming her in a year, that is the goal for this upcoming IEP. Part of me is excited to have my child in that setting--in the event she is supported and it is a positive experience. Our school primarily opts for pulling children out for services, and is not quick to offer a para to a child. For parents like us, we are left having to decide whether we risk our child having a negative experience (too many students, lack of routine and understanding, not enough supports, etc.) in a regular classroom or if we are holding her back by keeping her in a special ed class. We should have more options available, but sadly, there are not. So, we begin to focus our thoughts on inclusion and making it work.

I have found some websites that look to be helpful (I've only spent a bit of time on each):

PBS Parents - Inclusive Communities "Learn about improving the overall quality of life for children with or without disabilities by promoting inclusion and respect for differences."

Paula Kluth's Inclusive Classroom Site
"Toward more inclusive classrooms and communities"

Inclusion Connection
It is the mission of the Inclusion Connection to advocate for persons with disabilities, supporting them in realizing self-determined lives, educating families and promoting inclusive communities.

Celebrating All of Us

Operation Respect "The inclusion of children with special gifts and needs in a compassionate environment that allows peer recognition of the unique character of each child or adult produces what can only be viewed as an island of humanity, caring, respect, and peace." - Peter Yarrow, founder of Operation Respect

Positively Autism has some information on inclusion, including this study:

Positive outcomes have also been reported for children with autism who participate in inclusive programs. According to a review of research conducted by Levy, Kim, and Olive (2006), the presence of typically-developing children in educational programs for children with autism was reported to have positive effects on social skills and behavior for the children with autism. In a report on an inclusive preschool program by Jan S. Weiner (2002), it was reported that one-hundred percent (nine out of nine) of the preschool children who completed the inclusion program (three of whom have autism) went on to attend a general education Kindergarten classroom, versus a separate special education classroom. This is a very small number of participants, so we do need to keep in mind that these results may not be typical for the larger population, but I think that the results are encouraging. Additionally, three out of the four preschools that participated in the project elected to continue their inclusion programs, even after the research funding ended.

Lisa Jo Rudy points out that inclusion just may not work for everyone. That's something many of us can relate to. I think each student should be looked at as an individual. Simply carrying an autism diagnosis should not pigeon-hole that child into special ed. Likewise, just because another autistic child was successful being mainstreamed, that does not mean it will work for every other student.

It's interesting, I've known parents on both end of the battle: those who are wanting more special education services for their autistic child and those who are pushing for inclusion. I think schools need to start with a clean slate each time a new child enters their district. The administrators and those who play a role in the student's placement should be free of prejudices and the stories of past children. History can play a nice role as far as recommendations, though. For example, "this" worked for another student and we wonder if it is a good option for this child. Aside from that small use of past experiences, it's important for schools and parents to come together, and devise a child's unique plan for educating each autistic student (hence, the name individualized education plan!).

Society's Sad State

I was reading Odd One Out in the days immediately following Alex Barton's reprehensible ousting from his first grade class (a la Survivor). I was so deeply affected by the post on this inexcusable act. Primarily on the comments that Lastcrazyhorn had compiled and was writing on. I was outraged and then very saddened by the bias and ignorance I was seeing. Suggestions like this child just needed some discipline, or that his behaviors were due to poor parenting, or commending this teacher for bringing order back into the classroom, honestly make me wonder what country we live in and exactly what year it is.

The case of Alex Barton has done two things. For one, it has brought Autism, inclusion and mainstreaming, and special education into the public eye (at least temporarily). All the major news stations covered the story in some form or fashion. Furthermore, the story has brought bloggers together all across the world. I've seen bloggers who have no connection to autism writing on it; others whom I have many disagreements with are just as passionate about this child's rights. It's been amazing to see us, once again, all come together to make change. We do have to remember that this is far from over--both for Alex and for the rest of our children. So, we need to keep writing those in the government and making our voices heard.

The other thing this case in particular has done is clearly brought forward how a great many in society truly feel about autistic individuals: put them away. The vast majority of us parents speak about how relieved we are to be living in a day where we do raise our children. Gone are the days that we are forced to (or strongly advised by our physicians and others we trusted) institutionalize our children (well, in most cases: please read about Nate Tseglin). However, it seems that a number of people would prefer we do just that. They don't want our kids interfering with their child's education. They speak of our kids as if they have some rancid, contagious disease. One that if our kids area allowed in their child's classroom, will seep through and infect the whole school. They claim it's unfair for their child to be in a room with our child. Unfair? Why? Because our child may help your child learn about tolerance and acceptance? Because they may learn to not judge a book by its cover, once they get to know our child? I'm sorry those lessons are so appalling to these parents.

I hate to break it to you who think my child will so horribly disrupt your child's education that she should be dumped somewhere else: my kid isn't the only one having issues in class. Have any of you spent time in a public school classroom? In Vanillaville, USA, you are going to see a SPECTRUM of children in any given room. You will have kids of varying intelligence and skill sets, children who have learning disabilities, health issues, and those that are gifted. You are going to have kids who are poor, kids who are rich, and all those in between. There are going to be adopted kids, foster kids, kids whose parents are divorced, and so on. You may want to point the finger at my child and say she is the one affecting your child's education--but really, can you prove that none of those other children do?

My oldest child is in fact labeled "gifted and talented" based on an evaluation (IQ score, plus various tests of knowledge and ability). She is in a classroom with children of varying abilities, and all those differences I mention above. Do I sit and whine that any of those kids is disrupting my kid's education? No. She is in public school, that's all part of it. She does have a few children in her classroom that receive special ed services. I've witnessed a meltdown by one of her peers, another child who is literally unable to sit still, and another who has significant trouble with reading. Shall I begin a protest to take these students out of my child's class? I would never. School should be a place where children learn to be good citizens. That is still a part of today's lesson plans, right? I want my daughter to acknowledge and accept children who are different from her. I don't want my daughter to judge a peer based on their skin color, family situation, physical appearance, or so-called "behaviors" ala Autism.

If you feel that my autistic child, or any other autistic, disabled, or different kid is so horribly affecting your child's education, guess what? You have a choice. Go to private school. I'm sure there are some better-suited schools out there--you know, ones where only blue-eyed, blonde-haired, strong, "neurotypical" children are accepted (I wonder if there are any schools who support a program like T4, that may be more your liking). People will say I'm crossing a line, that these views of society in 2008 are nothing like Hitler. I beg to differ. I think many would agree that if and when a prenatal genetic screening for autism is available, abortion will become common place, as in the case of Down Syndrome. We have professors speaking--and smiling--at universities, about eugenics.

This is the state of our society today. In this country, it is touted that we are the land of the free, and that each citizen has the same civil and human rights. This is not the case when it comes to disabled persons. What have we learned from history? Why are so many unwilling to give our children and autistic adults a shot? Why is there such intolerance and ignorance? It is my hope that through Alex Barton's horrible experience (and, sadly, many others) that a dialogue can begin. I want real change, for my child, for the many other individuals I've come to know on this journey. I can only hope that society is ready to listen.

Response to Comments: Alex Barton & Inclusion

I received this comment by Eric (you can watch the interview here):

"This child needs special attention for his disability- he should not be in a class room with children of a normal performing level. After reviewing the interview from "The Early Show" http://www.breitbart.tv/html/103693.html the child looks extremely disruptive and probably is a distraction in class. Placing those with disruptive disabilities in normal classrooms detracts from everyone else's education and occupies too much of the teachers time. The classroom is better off without him."

Yes, he does need special attention. His mother was meeting with school officials, this teacher included, to make such provisions. From what I understand, he had an IEP in place, and most likely a BIP (and if not, the school was indeed failing him well before Wendy Portillo's disgraceful actions). He should be in a class with "children of a normal performing level" (whatever that is in kindergarten!). For one, it is the law. Alex, just like my child, just like your child, has rights. You're not saying that autistic people don't deserve the same rights as other citizens, are you? Please read about Least Restrictive Environment, and perhaps you'll better understand why Alex deserves to be in this class. A side note, when you say "normal performing level," I wonder what that means. Are you talking about behavior, academics, or IQ? Odds are, Alex has a rather high IQ and is very capable of keeping up with (or soaring past even) his peers in academics (when the right supports are in place). What would be your definition of "normal performing level," do you have a specific criteria a child must meet before being allowed in a classroom?

I watched the interview. Can you tell me exactly which behaviors were so deplorable that Alex should not be in his classroom? You state he "looks extremely disruptive." Really? I can't imagine how my eldest (the gifted one, remember) would act in front of a camera. Actually, I bet she'd act out in ways I'd be mortified about! I don't even think I could get my youngest to sit on my lap or be anywhere near the camera crew and those spotlights (to which I greatly applaud Alex!). You can't base how a child acts, in front of bright lights with odd sounds and such. I personally did not see any behaviors indicative of Alex being a nuisance in class. Perhaps it's because I spend 24 hours a day with two very quirky kids, but I saw an inquisitive child. He didn't seem much different than any other child I've seen on T.V. while his parent is being interviewed.

With regard to the behaviors of this child in school, no one denies that Alex wasn't having difficulties. That is part of autism, at least for every autistic child I know. There are steps in place for schools to help a child with this. IEP's and BIP's help, as does open communication with teachers, counselors, and therapists. It sounds like not all was being done to help Alex, that could be done. I sincerely hope that now that he has an official diagnosis, steps will be taken to help him out. He may benefit from having a para or other support services.

How would you define "disruptive disabilities?" Is it just the autistic children? A child with ADHD? Does this include a child in a wheelchair? A child who stutters? The child with emotional issues due to their home life? I have actually seen so-called "neurotypical" children in the classroom be more "disruptive" (although I feel that word is rather harsh) than an autistic child. A child with ADHD may have a hard time focusing or sitting still. Yet, I don't think anyone would suggest placing a child with ADHD into a special education class. A child in a wheelchair may require more time going to and from the classroom, and certain class activities may need to be adjusted to accommodate his/her needs. The child who stutters will take longer to read a sentence aloud. A child with emotional issues may get into fights, may have trouble concentrating, may cry or act out. Would you argue as strongly for those children to be in a separate classroom as you do for Alex (and apparently all autistic children)? In any given classroom, there's plenty of distraction. It's not just Alex or my kid who may require more of the teacher's time on any given day.

The last sentence is the one that really felt like a punch in the gut. The idea that Alex's classroom or any other autistic kid's class is "better off without him" is so disturbing. It is the same barbaric mindset that once institutionalized our children, giving them no hope of any type of life, our kids were seen as having no value. This same senseless thinking leads to these very crimes, and disgusting preaching like this. This is why we fight, this is why we are so passionate, this is why we rally. Until society sees our children as human beings, as individuals with the same rights as anyone else, and accepts them for who they are, we will not be silent.

Another reply I received:

"anon So, lets see here, this little kid in Florida was being a t*rd and the rest of the kids voted him out of the class? whats the big deal? He's probably the same kid who gets picked last or doesnt get picked at all for any team sports. It's amusing to see the mothers cry out in harmonic outrage for their little precious bundles of stupid reject. Your kids are t*rds. Deal with it"

This comment deserves no response, and therefore I won't give it any justification. I do want to have it up here, just so that those people who may be unaware of what we, what our children, what autistic individuals, and what disabled citizens face day in and day out. These hateful, ignorant viewpoints are everywhere. Prejudice is very real in our world.