Citizenship in School: Reconceptualizing Down Syndrom

“Citizenship in School: Reconceptualizing Down Syndrome.”          By: Ruby Lazo

by Christopher Kliewer

1. “The challenge is to erase negative attitudes about people with developmental disabilities, get rid of the stereotypes and break the barriers for people with disabilities”.

Throughout history society has held many misconceptions when it comes to people with either physical or mental disabilities. Because of these misconceptions we have allowed ourselves to disvalue and shun, truly capable, bright and gifted people.                    

2. “Dialogue cannot occur… between those who deny others the right to speak their word and those who’s right to speak has been denied.”

This quote pertains to the significance of having a voice in society. Those who have been oppressed and deprived of their right to have a say in their communities must reclaim their natural rights as citizens and individuals. For there to be true change in society, it is essential that everyone’s voice is heard and represented.

3. “[Community] requires a willingness to see people as they are – different perhaps in their minds and in their bodies, but not different in their spirits or in their willingness and ability to contribute to the mosaic of society.”

A true society entails for everyone to be equal. Communities are made up of many different people and we must learn how to accept and value differences to create an idyllic community.                     

The article “Citizenship in School” really reminded me about the harsh inequalities people with disabilities have to deal with. I am always reading or discussing the social inequalities that come with class, race and gender but a lot of times I forget about all the other isms that live within our society.

I think a lot of us forget just how able people with disabilities are. We fall into the traps of ignorance once we believe the stereotypes and derogatory names that are the foundation to discrimination and hate. We must not judge people based on the labels we give them or even their inabilities, but rather on their talents and who they are as a person.