Disability: Social Constructs and Societal Impact

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A disability refers to a wide range of impairments that effects the way in which a human interacts with society, their surroundings, or themselves (ADA National Network). The reason this is noted in a society is because norms are set for all members in our society; disabilities are social constructs. To this degree all individuals are expected to be uniform physically, mentally, and socially. Deviations from these norms are often viewed negatively. This lead to an us/them mentality. A disability is seen as through the lens of pity and/or fear, not as a unique. By doing this society separates itself from what is does not understand, the uniqueness of the human condition. By doing so it socially and mentally harms the individual who does not …show more content…

The goal of all educators is to ensure all students learn. Least dangerous assumption allows educators to be effective, despite a lack of full understanding of underlining conditions and relevant data. Data is often flawed because of misconceptions about how intelligence works and how the standard sets of measurements can misconstrue data due to limitations brought on because of impairments. In addition labels tend to provide excuses on why the student cannot learn, providing an easy out. Most importantly misconstrued data is deflating to the student self-image. This concept holds that the teacher must come from a positive place, chosen to focus on what the child can do and not on what they cannot do (Jorgensen 2005). This mentality focuses on growth on the individual, not overnight perfection. To do this a teacher reflect on how students can achieve, despite limitations, by focusing on …show more content…

The laws that have been added and decision made by the Supreme Court have by in large education for all students. With that said there is a danger of losing track of a student’s best interest because we have become so guarded and legalistic. In addition, with all of the changes in laws educators my doing only what directs them to do and go no further, though it may be beneficial to the student. The mentally of “let’s do enough not to get sued” is very damaging to the student because it turns students into legal liabilities. Though this mentally will keep teachers out of the courtroom it undermines our purpose as educators. Teachers must go beyond the law and look into the law intent. From this place a student will be best served while meeting any legal requirements (Villa 2005). An example of education becoming to legalistic is the occurrence of placing students in classes based on basis of educators and not needs of the

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