January 29, 2008

Public education for special needs kids

For seven years my wife and I have worked hard to fight for our son's education. My wife has dedicated all her resources to this, even quitting her job to fight for our son's education the year after she was named "National Photographer of the Year." She was an up-and-coming portrait photographer specializing in infants to five-year-old children. She is now a stay-at-home (stay-at-school office) mom working long and hard to make sure that our son is being included in school functions and is being taught.

Our son, Construction Dude

This has been by far the hardest battle of our lives. These children, who have tremendous difficulties in life due to their unique health-related conditions, must overcome incredible obstacles in their schools—obstacles that rise from the most unexpected places. It seems that the teachers, principals, and other school leaders tolerate these children because they are required to by law, but do everything they can to remove these children from their classrooms into "specialized" enclosed classes, which are actually classes with lower standards, stigmatized children, and institutionalized disrespect.

I have recently found a blog written by Barbara Curtis, a woman who has raised 12 children—including multiple children with Down Syndrome, one biological and the others adopted. She has posted some outstanding thoughts on this topic of special needs education

More links to related blogs and posts:

3 comments:

  1. Rich,
    Kim and I have had many discussions about this very subject. I am so thankful that she is such a dynamic mom. What a blessing she is to you and to David!

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  2. Thanks for your kind comments about Kim. She's the greatest. David and I are very blessed.

    BTW - did you know that I know Barbara Curtis personally? I published the article she wrote about adopting Daniel 11 years ago when I was editor of Celebrate Life magazine. And then we collaborated on many more editorial projects for the next few years. She's an awesome lady. I'm glad that you allowed us to reconnect through your blog.

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  3. That's wonderful, Rich! She is a great writer...I've enjoyed her blog for some time now. It's a very small world over the internet, isn't it? :o)

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