blog#9

 After watching the video and reading Hehir’s article Eliminating Ableism in Education, I started thinking about how education isn’t always built for everyone. In the video, the person talks about how they go on walks and how even though they move in a different way that’s still a walk for them. That part shows us that movement doesn’t have to look the same. Just like in learning, not all  students learn the same way, we all learn in our own space and in own  ways  and that doesn’t make anyone less capable.

Hehir explains that ableism is when schools or teachers assume it’s better for students to learn like nondisabled kids. Like thinking speaking is better than signing, or reading print is better than listening to audio. That creates this idea that if you can’t do it the “normal” way, you’re not really doing it and that’s really  unfair It’s like asking someone to prove they belong before giving them the chance. Hehir also writes about how schools often think it’s better to make disabled students learn the “normal” way instead of finding out what actually works without taking in mind how much harder that makes it for them for example, some blind students aren’t taught Braille because schools want them to read print, even if it’s very hard for the student  and not the best way for them to learn. That doesn’t make sense to me. If Braille helps someone read better, why not teach it? It shows how schools sometimes care more about appearances than helping students succeed. They care more about others people convenience then the students.

Another thing the video talks about is how having ramps, elevators, or accessible buses isn’t just about physical space, it also changes the social space. When disabled people are more visible, people get more used to them being around it creates more tolerance and acceptance. I think the same happens in schools. If the school makes space for students to learn in different ways, whether that’s using a wheelchair, a screen reader, or needing more time on a test, it helps everyone understand that learning doesn’t have to look one way and that everyone can learn in their own ways. One part that really made me think was when the person in the video said that sometimes it’s harder to do something in your own way because people get uncomfortable. In school, that could mean using assistive technology or asking for help and then being treated like a burden. But like Hehir says, the problem isn’t the student, it’s the system not being ready to support them. Both the video and the reading show that schools need to stop focusing on changing the student and instead change the environment. Students should have access to the materials, tools, and support they need, without having to fight for it or prove they deserve it. Everyone learns better when they feel included and respected.