Blog 6 - Going to School documentary

 As is the case, inclusive education can provide a range of academic and social benefits for students

with disabilities, such as better achievement in language and math, higher high school completion rates,

and more positive relationships with non-disabled students. 

My biggest takeaway from watching this documentary is to see evidence of inclusion in school favoring

the breaking of social prejudices, as well as encouraging learning in a more collaborative way.

Furthermore, students with special needs are beginning to feel welcomed and motivated to develop their

potential to the fullest.

One personal connection I would like to cite about my uncle, Antonio, who was born and raised in Brazil and is now 55 years old, never able to walk or talk. He was diagnosed in his first months of life with pediatric paralysis, cerebral palsy, schizophrenia and autism. At his younger age, he was still able to crawl from his bedroom to the kitchen, to the living room, to the bathroom and out in the backyard where he used to have fun. I grew up watching him play cars sitting on the ground with his leg shaped L - because his legs don’t get straight - and following the obstacle course my grandfather painted on the cement area for him. 

He possesses such a high vibe personality but sometimes gets angry with one of his imaginary friends and tries to hurt himself. It’s sad but this is his world, better say, his two worlds. 

My grandmother used to take him to APAE (Associação de Pais e Amigos dos Excepcionais)- provides educational and specialized care for children, young people and adults with disabilities. The most common needs in schools like APAE are: intellectual disability, disorders, multiple, cerebral palsy, physical and motor disability - in the big city, but difficulties in transportation got in the way and his educational instructions got interrupted. Unfortunately, my uncle never had a life change experience like Richard from this documentary. 

APAE is not a regular school, since my uncle possesses severe disabilities, none of the local public schools were able to accept him because they couldn’t provide the support he needed.

 Point to share in class: I wonder how it would have impacted my uncle’s life if he continued to attend APAE.