Proposing a new model for students with disabilities--Diversability

1. Ability, Disability, Diversability IDEA and Vocational Ed: lessons from the short bus

2. Inspiration for the topic Professional colleague reveals ADHD diagnosis Jonathan Mooney and the Short Bus (video clip) Famous people you never dreamed were “limited” or “disabled” We really are far more similar than different 10/31/2010 2

3. Ability Capable of doing something Tackle a task Complete a competency Acquire a skill Equated with “normal” 10/31/2010 3

4. Disability To disqualify legally Render incapable Equated with abnormal Focus on differences Short bus mentality (video clip #2 I’m special) 10/31/2010 4

5. Diversability Lacks formal definition Talents rather than the lack of talent recognized Differences are celebrated Attitude of inclusion rather than exclusion in society Person no longer defined by the inability or different ability Unique contributions of all are recognized (Mooney video clip The short bus part 1) 10/31/2010 5

6. Vocational Education and working toward strengths Hands-on Out-of-the-box strategies such as co-op Going beyond and looking beyond what you see Kevin Choate’s story about the white coat You could save a life or at least someone’s self-esteem! 10/31/2010 6

7. The many faces of “disabled”, “in-able”, “unable” You will be surprised! (Ed Rev “faces of success’ video clip) Who surprised you most? Does “disability” really fit theses people? Who will surprise you most in your classroom?...... 10/31/2010 7

8. Time for a change! IDEA FAPE IEP Self-determination Jason Kauffman’s story Transition Help, I’m not a special-ed teacher! 10/31/2010 8

9. Resources for “the rest of us” Delar Singh’s Web resources for Special Education http://www.askjan.org job resources for “disabled” persons seeking employment Cosdonline.org employers seeking “disabled” workers Dol.gov special section for ADA and special employment issues, statistics, education Katie Martucci on campus help for PSU students with special needs 10/31/2010 9

10. Closing remarks from Jonathan Mooney The End