The demographic characteristics of students with disabilities Essay

1. At the beginning of the course we reviewed the demographic characteristics of students with disabilities. Describe some of the more memorable insights that you gained from this activity. Why are they memorable? What do certain demographic characteristics suggest for your teaching career? Cite specific examples.
The demographics we discussed at the beginning of the semester really gave insight on the changing views schools have on children with disabilities. The demographics show changes in integration of children with learning disabilities into the general education classroom, specifically, an increase in integration. They also give insight into the changing diagnostic process for children with disabilities.
The first demographic that stood out to me was Exhibit 22, which shows an increase in the percentage of people reported under the category of Autism under IDEA part B. This data really stuck out to me because I believe researching the causes of this increase are important. Have we gotten more efficient in diagnosing ASD?
Demographic Exhibit 28 has an impact on my teaching career, and everyone's teaching career. It shows an increase of integration of students with learning disabilities into general education classrooms. Teachers need to be more aware and knowledgeable about different learning disabilities so we can accommodate all of our students. It is important for these students to be involved and get to know their peers in school. This is a great trend and I hope that we continue to see this trend across the board in classrooms.
2. After looking at demographic characteristics, we spent much of our time focusing on students with disabilities as people. Describe your perceptions of children and youth with disabilities. Have your opinions changed in the past few weeks? Have your expectations changed?
Children and youth with disabilities are just people. What really stuck out to me when we talked about this in class was how I never even thought about person-first language and labeling individuals. I also was completely unaware of just how offensive a term "handicapped" was when referring to a human being. People with disabilities are just that, they are people. I always saw them as people but never used the language that goes along with it. Language truly reinforces our actions and perceptions. No labels. Just people.
My opinions of children or youth with disabilities has changed. Honestly, I was really sort of fearful to work with them. I truly want to be a good teacher and do right by all of my students including my students with disabilities. Now that I know how I can be an effective teacher for all of my students, that fear is gone. My expectations have not changed. I will push my students to do the best that they are capable of doing as individuals. The biggest change for me is an increased awareness of a student's individual capabilities and what I can do as a teacher to help every student meet their unique potential. I am prepared and expect to be part of an IEP team.