Microaggression and the General Public’s View of Special Education

Quote: I may be able to fill the hole in my soul, but only society can tear down walls - Michael Schwartz

Microaggression consists in different forms and can be harmful and hurtful to those being attacked or marginalized with in a specific group.

I read about a lawyer Michael Schwartz whom was born deaf and one of his biggest challenges was overcoming people calling him deaf and dumb. After years of being stereotyped and disappointments Michael was able to overcome and pursue a career as lawyer. Today he is very successful and a role model for others with disabilities.

I just recently accepted a position as a Peep Special Education teacher. The program consists of four year olds that have been identified for specific services due to different disabilities. I also have a class of three year olds with various disabilities. All the children have different disabilities varying from Autism, sensory and auditory issues, to behavior problems.

As I began my new position many friends and colleagues stereotyped these children as non-learners, I was asked if they could talk and walk. People automatically make assumptions of a child in a wheelchair or one using a walker, blindness, and speech or operational therapist needs. And yes many of my little friends do require these services, but they are still little ones willing and wanting to be accepted by peers. In our society we perceive disability through our cultural assumptions.

My little class may be challenging but they are very capable of learning and really enjoy the process. They take pride in their learning skills and I as their teacher embrace every learning moment. The excitement of accomplishment is indescribable. When they are successful in a task they will say, “Look I did it, I did it. You know then all your efforts and patience has been worthwhile!

The general public does not understand the struggles our disabled friends are challenged with. For my readers that do not understand “microaggressions” I will elaborate on this term. People’s remarks or behaviors that can create feelings of uncertainty, inferiority, marginalization, and/or unsettling emotions in others even though no offense is intended—at least not on a conscious level. This occurs every day in all our lives. Microaggressions also include attitudes towards racism, classism, ableism, and religion-ism.

Reference
Schwartz, M. A. (2010). Disability angst. The search for belonging—filling the hole in my soul. The search for belonging—filling the hole in my soul. International Journal of Leadership in Public Services, Suppl. 6(21–23).