CAL STAT Transition Summit – January 25, 2012

DISABILITY HISTORY

GINNI BACHTELLE

Job Developer/Program Coordinator

Career Connection - Whittier Union High School DistrictWhittier, CAhttp://www.wuhsd.org/cc

Ginni.Bachtelle@wuhsd.org

HECTOR OCHOA

Independent Living Specialist

Southern California Rehabilitation Services (SCRS)Downey, CA http://www.scrs-ilc.org/

hochoa@scrs-ilc.org

DESERIE ORTIZ

Youth Services Specialist

Southern California Rehabilitation Services (SCRS)Downey, CAhttp://www.scrs-ilc.org/

dortiz@scrs-ilc.org

GINA SEMENZA

Gerontology, M.S. Candidate

California State University, Long Beach

https://bbcsulb.desire2learn.com/d2l/eP/presentations/presentation_preview_popup.d2l?presId=3127

gina.semenza@gmail.com

WHY CARE ABOUT DISABILITY HISTORY?

It‘s the law!On January 1, 2012, the FAIR (Fair, Accurate, Inclusive, Respectful) Education Act (Senate Bill 48) went into effect. It requires that the disability rights movement (as well as the LGBT rights movement) be included in social studies, history classes, and in textbooks used in California schools.

WHAT IS DISABILITY HISTORY?

Disability history promotes an understanding and awareness of the disability rights movement by designating a week to acknowledge the role and contributions of individuals with disabilities in our society.

DISABILITY IN OUR SOCIETY

I contracted polio at 14 and had to fight in order to be accommodated at UC Berkeley. I set the model for the independent living movement and cofounded the World Institute on Disability.

ED ROBERTS

I was the first deafblind person to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree…..who am I ?

HELEN KELLER

I’m a wheelchair user on a popular T.V. show. A committee of performers with disabilities feel that casting an able-bodied actor to play a student with a disability was inappropriate.

KEVIN MCHALE

I’m in a famous band from the early 2000s, and my 2 solo albums have sold more than 14 million copies. I have OCD/ADD.

JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE

I produced cartoons and films, and I’m the creator of the happiest place on earth. My dyslexia didn’t prevent me from being successful.

WALT DISNEY

I’m a Mexican artist who was in a horrible bus accident. My paintings symbolize my pain.

FRIDA KAHLO

I was a U.S. president who had polio. I was usually carried, though it seemed I was walking.

FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT

I am a movie actor and father of a child with autism.

SYLVESTER STALLONE

I was in a shark attack which left me with a severed arm. I continue to pursue my passion to become a professional surfer.

BETHANY HAMILTON

I am a German physicist with dyslexia who came

up with the formula E=mc2.

ALBERT EINSTEIN

WHO PUSHED IT?In 2009-2010, youth with disabilities across California campaigned to pass a statewide resolution to have Disability History Week in California schools. Through petitions, letter writing campaigns, visits with policy makers, providing testimonials both at the state capitol and in local communities, the youth were successful in passing of the Fair Education Act.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?

It is important that ALL our youth understand disability history in order to appreciate equality today. Disability History Week provides students with the opportunity to learn how people with disabilities were instrumental in changing history for the better.

People with disabilities have a rich history of active participation in changing societal attitudes about desires and capabilities. By teaching disability history in schools, we are taking the necessary steps to ensure that history is not repeated and that there continues to be movement towards an even more accessible society in future generations.

WHEN IS IT CELEBRATED?

Disability History Week is celebrated the 2nd week of October of every year, although you don’t need to limit the teaching of Disability History to just that one week.

WHAT’S YOUR ROLE?

As an educator, your support in implementing the law at your school is critical.

As students/educators/citizens, learning Disability History promotes an understanding and awareness of the disability rights movement by acknowledging the roles and contributions of individuals with disabilities in our society.

Educators have been developing curriculum for a number of years now. You can learn about the various approaches to teaching Disability History on the YO! Disabled & Proud website:

http://www.yodisabledproud.org/organize/disability-history-week.php#dhw_content

QUESTIONS?

THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENDANCE!

WE ARE HERE TO HELP…