Recognizing and Changing Restrictive Views of Student Ability and Disability

(Un)Learning Disability: Recognizing and Changing Restrictive Views of Student Ability (Disability, Culture, and Equity Series)

by Captivating History

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2048 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	192 pages
X-Ray for textbooks	:	Enabled

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In educational settings, it is common for educators and society to hold restrictive views about student ability and disability. These views can limit students' opportunities to learn and succeed, and can also create a sense of isolation and exclusion for students with disabilities.

There are a number of factors that can contribute to restrictive views of ability and disability. These include:

• Cultural stereotypes: Society often has negative stereotypes about people with disabilities, which can be internalized by educators and students.
• Personal experiences: Educators who have had negative experiences with students with disabilities may be more likely to hold negative views about their abilities.
• Lack of knowledge: Educators who do not have a good understanding of disabilities may be more likely to make assumptions about what students with disabilities can and cannot do.
• Institutional policies: School policies and procedures can sometimes create barriers for students with disabilities, which can reinforce negative views about their abilities.

The Impact of Restrictive Views

Restrictive views of ability and disability can have a significant impact on students. These views can:

• Limit students' opportunities to learn and succeed: Students who are seen as having limited abilities may not be given the same opportunities to learn as their peers. This can lead to lower academic achievement and a decreased sense of competence.
• Create a sense of isolation and exclusion: Students with disabilities may feel isolated and excluded from their peers if they are seen as different or less capable. This can lead to loneliness, depression, and anxiety.
• Diminish students' self-esteem: Students who are repeatedly told that they are limited may start to believe it. This can lead to a loss of self-esteem and a decreased sense of worth.

Recognizing Restrictive Views

The first step to changing restrictive views of ability and disability is to recognize them. Here are some signs that you may be holding restrictive views:

• You believe that students with disabilities are less capable than other students.
• You assume that students with disabilities cannot learn as much as other students.
• You expect students with disabilities to behave in certain ways, such as by being passive or compliant.
• You are uncomfortable interacting with students with disabilities.
• You avoid teaching students with disabilities or giving them challenging assignments.

Changing Restrictive Views

If you recognize that you hold restrictive views about ability and disability, it is important to start changing them. Here are some tips:

• Educate yourself about disabilities: Learn about the different types of disabilities and how they can affect students' learning. This will help you to better understand the challenges that students with disabilities face and develop more realistic expectations for them.
• Get to know students with disabilities: Talk to students with disabilities and learn about their experiences. This will help you to see them as individuals and to appreciate their strengths and challenges.
• Challenge your assumptions: Question your beliefs about students with disabilities. Are they based on evidence, or are they just stereotypes? Be willing to change your views if you find that they are not supported by evidence.
• Be open to new experiences: Try new things that will help you to break down your stereotypes about students with disabilities. Volunteer at a camp for children with disabilities, or take a class about disability studies.
• Advocate for students with disabilities: Speak up for students with disabilities and ensure that they have the same opportunities to learn and succeed as other students.

Changing restrictive views of ability and disability is not easy, but it is essential for creating an inclusive educational environment. By recognizing our own biases, educating ourselves about disabilities, and challenging our assumptions, we can create a more equitable and just world for all students.

Image: Students with disabilities drawing on paper by Ketut Subiyanto from Pexels

(Un)Learning Disability: Recognizing and Changing Restrictive Views of Student Ability (Disability, Culture, and Equity Series)

by Captivating History

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2048 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	192 pages
X-Ray for textbooks	:	Enabled

FREE