Have you seen this interview with the Florida mother of a special needs child who was voted out of his classroom by his peers? Alex, you are a great little kid and we wish you the best.
Although this happened at his kindergarten, what is being done in the park and recreation world to prevent this type of behavior? This horrific story raises a lot of questions and concerns about the safety and equality of our children with special needs.
Although the journalist in me recognizes that the interview presents one side of the story, this is a very sad side. Thank goodness, all children have a right to an education in this country — just as they have the right to pursue happiness. This story is a good wake-up call to everyone, especially those working in the public sector, to make sure we are protecting these rights by offering inclusive programming and access to information about those programs. Thanks, Matt, for posting this story.
I deeply hope there is some misunderstanding involved with this situation because viewing that testimonial was difficult to begin to accept on multple levels; professionally and personally.
Shame on that teacher, she should not be allowed to teach. How dare she not only treat your son that way but to teach the other children to belittle him in such a way is pure insanity, and she should be stripped of her title. We do not need teachers like that teaching our children. I am the mother of 2 special needs children 1 is 10 years old a girl with multiple mental disorders including Aspergers and the other is a 2 1/2 year old girl with Spina Bifida and multiple problems from that these children are human beings and as such deserve to be treated with respect and dignity How dare anyone take that away from them and their families, my heart goes out to you all.
V Schwien mother of special needs children in Illinois
My gosh that is the most horrible thing I have seen. The “teacher” is a short-sighted manipluator who should never be allowed in a classroom…let her go sit in the Principal’s office.
No one likes to see litigation when a problem can be solved in other ways. But I’d encourage the family to stand strong for their rights here.
Hang in there Alex!