Course 1: Creating a Culture of Inclusion

Module 1: History of Disability

Introduction

Course 1 is about creating a culture of inclusion for students with multiple disabilities and complex needs. Before you are introduced to the when, where, and how to start, it’s important to look back on history. Current preconceived notions regarding disability have been shaped by the beliefs and practices of the past and continue to challenge efforts to include students with complex needs today. Exploring the past in Module 1 will help you understand the present and create a better path for the future.

You are living in a time when the term social justice is constantly in the news. Social justice needs to be applied to students with complex needs. They need to have equal rights and access in regard to education. Examining the historical inequities for people with disabilities and becoming aware of and acknowledging them will benefit students with complex needs today.

Social justice is accomplished by:

• Increasing your awareness of the social issue
• Acknowledging the past
• Evaluating your own beliefs, values, and actions
• Doing better

What You Will Learn

• How preconceived notions of disability in history has shaped the treatment of people with disabilities throughout history to the present day
• How preconceived notions of disability continue to hinder inclusion and limit full participation and citizenship for students with multiple disabilities and complex needs in schools
• How efforts to facilitate inclusion have evolved throughout history
• How we can use our knowledge of history to inform our practice today