We are trying to get Sawyer  mainstreamed... (meaning out of a self contained special ed classroom) and to start next year off in a class of typical peers... where he will most likely be a little disruptive ... he will most likely make people feel uncomfortable... he will most likely make more work for the teacher of 35 other students... but where he will also add to a culture of tolerance and acceptance. Where he will be able to teach others about celebrating small victories and  not taking the little things for granted. Where he will be a great friend to any child who will give him a chance... where he will light up the room with his smile and the love and unconditional acceptance my sweet boy gives to absolutely anyone who will give him the time of day.



It's amazing to me that in an era when our society is fighting so hard to prevent bullying in schools and to create a culture of tolerance and acceptance of different lifestyles, beliefs and religions... that the special needs community tends to be left behind. Our kids are showered with "services" and we're told that separating them from their peers is what's best for them.  We're told not to force our expectations on them... and to appreciate them for who they are... which is of course true with any child. But with special needs kids there is an "assumed incompetence" ... we are encouraged to push them and challenge them... but no too hard, lest we be accused of not accepting their situation... or who they are in life. After all... they do have autism... down's syndrome, CP... the list goes on... we shouldn't really expect too much right??



Today I am thinking of all of the mama's out there who are getting ready for their IEP's. Who are so tired and overwhelmed with fighting the "system" and playing the stupid games. Whether fighting for much needed services or fighting for someone... anyone... to see the value and gifts their child has to offer... that they're not just a drain and extra work and something to be dealt with... and that they don't need to be shoved aside in a separate class. I know this is a controversial subject and not every parent is for inclusion. With integration comes bullying and mean comments and the fear that their self esteem will be damaged... but if we don't teach kids how to be tolerant of differences and accepting of all people now... how are they going to be tolerant accepting adults? I think about what schools must have faced in the hight of the civil right movement in the 60's... what if nothing was ever done about segregation because it would have been too hard for the teachers, because it would cause disruption and require flexibility and patience from everyone... where would we be as a nation if an entire people group were left behind because it was just easier for everyone to keep things how they had been for years and years. That thought process wasn't acceptable then... and it's not now.



Think about taking time today to talk to you child about the kids in their school who experience disability... saying hi to someone who seems different... inviting them to play on the play ground or join them for lunch could make such a difference in that child's life AND in your child's life as well...



Here's a short video I made for a school who came along and partnered with Sawyer last year... they are proof that 7th and 8th graders do have the capacity to affect change and show true compassion...