Exceptional People

Lessons Learned from Special Education Survivors

By (author) Faith E. Andreasen

Publication date:

04 October 2012

Length of book:

146 pages

Publisher

R&L Education

Dimensions:

235x157mm
6x9"

ISBN-13: 9781475801255

Exceptional People: Lessons Learned from Special Education Survivors is a unique work that describes disabled (exceptional) students’ and their parents’ perspectives as they journeyed through the education system. For educators, it provides a window to the souls of the children whose lives they affect on a daily basis and offers proven strategies that can be implemented immediately. For students, it describes how they can successfully overcome the embarrassment of their special education label, the humiliation of being bullied by classmates, and the discomfort felt when called “stupid” or “lazy” by their teachers. For parents, it captures their pain when they first learned their child had a disability and the fight they faced as they attempted to advocate for their child (usually not knowing their legal rights, the correct questions to ask, or the organizations available to support them). An easy read with a powerful message, ExceptionalPeople conveys significant insights through its personal stories and professional tips.

Preface
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Chapter 1Chris’s Story: Emotional and Writing Exceptionality
Chapter 2Chris’s Parents’ Story: Emotional and Writing Exceptionality
Chapter 3Clark’s Story: Spastic Diplegia Cerebral Palsy
Chapter 4Craig’s Parents’ Story: Autism Spectrum Disorder
Chapter 5Daniel’s Story: OHI-Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder
Chapter 6Daniel’s Mother’s Story: OHI-Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder
Chapter 7Howard’s Story: Dyslexia
Chapter 8Mercedez’s Story: Hearing Impairment
Chapter 9Mercedez’s Mother’s Story: Hearing Impairment
Chapter 10Mike’s Story: Learning Exceptionality in Reading and Mathematics
Chapter 11Final Thoughts and Flagship Moments
About the Author

Dr. Andreasen has done a masterful job of telling the stories of several students who had varied experiences in school and special education programs. Their honesty about what did or did not work for them provides insight into how children who have disabilities are treated by their peers, teachers, doctors, and other professionals and how these people can profoundly impact their lives—for good or bad. Dr. Andreasen makes concrete suggestions for working effectively with students who have disabilities, as well as suggestions for the students themselves. Her goal is to ensure that the students are not lost in the bureaucracy of special education and that the humanity and dignity of these children are respected by those of us privileged to know and work with them. Exceptional People should be required reading for professionals, parents, and students; for only by becoming aware of injustice can it be avoided in the future.