Disability Is Natural Books and Media
If you accept the expectations of others, especially negative ones, then you will never change
the outcomes.
Michael Jordan
Maria, the mother of 7-year-old Sophie, was livid about the school’s proposed IEP (Individualized Education Plan) for her daughter: Sophie would be in an elementary school Life Skills class with other children aged 6-10, where the students would spend time learning to make beds, fold towels, sort recycling, and other activities (of questionable value). Little time would be focused on reading, math, or other academics.
What, exactly, are Daily Living and/or Life Skills? Is there a universally-accepted definition? Similarly, is there a standard “curriculum” (not just “programs” that are sold to school districts)? I’ve asked these questions of many professionals, teachers, and parents of children and adults with disabilities, and there is no specific, commonly agreed-upon definition.
Yet, ensuring that children and/or adults with disabilities “achieve” or “master” Daily Living/Life Skills is high on the list of many parents, teachers, service providers, and others in the disability arena.
Daily Living/Life Skills
DISABILITY IS NATURAL!
New Ways of Thinking and Revolutionary Common Sense