Kliewer

Christopher Kliewer
"Reconceptualizing Down Syndrome"

1. "A sense of reciprocity or shared value exists in relationships in which individuals, including those with the most severe disabilities, are recognized as thinking, feeling, caring human beings with personalities all their own." (10)

I think this is a good quote for a base to this article. In some ways this article reminded me of the article about "normalization". I think the biggest challenge for a teacher would be to not single out the student with a disability. I also think the teacher should not give a feeling to the other students that the disabled child is receiving some sort of special treatment. The teacher just needs to show they care and recognize the talents of a disabled child. They have the right to be one in the group.

2. "Vygotsky found that the culture of segregation surround people with disabilities actually teaches underdevelopment of thinking through the isolation of children from socially valued opportunities… altering the culture of disability requires that a child be recognized as an active learner, a thinker, and a problem-solver, but this cannot occur apart from relationships that allow for such engagement.”(7)

This is also a very important quote to the text. Basically, it is wrong to give children with down syndrome a different education. Everyone deserves the same education and should receive it.
We would make students with disabilities feel vulnerable and left out. They would surely feel left out and not one in the group and would not want to learn.

3. "Success in life requires an ability to form relationships with others who make up the web of community. Though many of us have a certain level of control over who we meet and interact with, none of us can come close to claiming complete control." (2)

This quote is the main point to me. This is what we have been doing all semester. Being very accepting and learning from peoples differences. If other students can learn from a children with down syndrome everyone will be enriched.

This article was obviously tough to read because of the terms. I was really glad I got a chance to read this article. Down syndrome is a topic that is a bit foreign to me. I feel I am now better equipped to deal with children with disabilities.

I am curious to know if anybody had any down-syndrome or children with disabilities in their classes growing up ? Did you find this experience enriching or not a big deal? Was the student lauhed at and not take seriously ? Did they feel part of the group?