DISABILITY-THE ABILITY TO DO THINGS DIFFERENT

[Nzingah]

I have been challenged by a friend of mine to write this post, and to offer my services.

My name is Nzingah and I am a multi-disciplinary teaching artist (I will explain in a moment the difference with an art teacher). My educational background is in neuroscience and psychology.

When we speak of educating our children, most often we only think of our children who are "normal." We rarely discuss or contemplate educating children with special needs; unless, one of our children has been diagnosed or labeled as a child with a disability. As a result, we have a limited amount of resources and information to assist us in working with the special needs population. The reality is society at large, except for a few, has failed when it comes to this. Historically, individuals with disabilities would be killed in infancy, isolated from society (i.e sanitariums), mocked by their peers, kwk. We have moved away from some of these behaviors, due to advocacy by parents, organizations, and advances in understanding through education and research. However there still is much more work to do. A very important move is redefinition. Just as we have found it important to redefine ourselves as Africans in the Diaspora, it is important that we redefine disability.

The definition that I found to be most appropriate is as follows: A disability is the ability to do things different. When we hear the words disability, mental retardation, dyslexia, cerebral palsy we almost always due to societal conditioning think of limitation. But, the reality is not matter how small or big the disability it is simply the capacity for someone to do something different. If we used this as our working definition our approach in reaching this population would radically change. It would challenge us to reevaluate our teaching styles; which is the work I do with educators and parents.

Currently in the public school system there is a move to eliminate ESE (exceptional student education) classrooms and place those students in regular classrooms. The problem of course, is that teachers in regular educational do not have the background to facilitate a classroom that needs to be inclusive. What we have found is that the child with special needs is usually removed from the classroom through disciplinary write up by the teacher, or the child is simply ignored for the entire day. So we have a child whose education has been completely compromised because of bias. I should also say that a lot of the ESE teachers are behind on the new pedagogical approaches.

As there are these shortcomings, many of these teachers have taken workshops to assist them in improving their pedagogical methodology. My work as a teaching artist has allowed me to give workshops to over a thousand teachers and parents. Before I continue, let me explain the difference between a teaching artist and an art teacher. The simplest way to describe the difference is that art teachers teach art theories & concepts; while the teaching artist uses the arts to teach. For instance, I use visual arts to teach marine biology. Some of the workshops I have given as a teaching artist have been: "Integrating arts into your Pedagogical Methodologies" and “Disability-the ability to do things different: Inclusion Strategies for the Classroom.” I also have been able to conduct residencies where I have worked with teachers hands-on with their students; moving theory to practice. In these residencies I have worked with ESE, inclusive, and regular classrooms. My work with children disabilities has impacted me in ways that can not be described. Here are some images from some of my residencies:

I feel like I have said too much so I will stop. Let’s really begin to discuss this. I noticed some posts from parents with concerns but no real discussions. I am more than willing to assist and even give a virtual workshop. In the meantime here are some really good links:

http://www.vsarts.org/

http://www.iahp.org/
* This site has information how to create genius in normal children outside of its information for special needs.

http://www.accessiblearts.org/

http://www.cpt.fsu.edu/ese/


STAY TUNED...
Nzingah

[Kedama]

I'm so glad you posted these links and info. I hope this is an area of African education where some serious innovation/re-appropriation will take place as African youth are currently overrepresented in ESE programs. I also agree that African-centered education should seriously and regularly consider those students who, as you said, have the "ability to do things differently." Put me down for the workshop. Great work!

Peace and Respect

[Adanna Aina Oluwasey]

As an African centered special education teacher in Philadelphia, Pa. teaching in an African centered school I would be very interested to join the workshop and offer any assistance that I can. Please listen to the Philly Phactor tomorrow, Wed. 9/24 10:00 pm EST and feel free to call in with your comments 1-800-842-1409. Our show is about African Centered Education.
Hotep,
Adanna Aina Oluwasey

[Nzingah]

I will definitely listen in. Where can I tune in?
Nzingah

[Adanna Aina Oluwasey]

LIBRadio, right here on the main page. Enjoy.

[Ms. Akosua]

Peace...thanks for sharing.

Do you know Khaf-Ra..the poet. He teaches for Orlando Public. His wife Kheri teaches Art Symmetry....where she uses art to teach Math Application. Very Similar ideas. She also hails from the Caribbean and is a very accomplished artist. She's been given the green light and funding to develop her Art curriculum for students in OPS. She maybe a good connect....just networking..

[Nzingah]

No, I know neither one. However, we have common friends so I have heard of them. Are they on Living in Black? I definitely like to network.

Nzingah

[Ms. Akosua]

They are not here. They are however, my very close friends. Email me and I can link you with their information. They are indeed a dynamic team as Khaf-Ra incorporates performing arts and Kheri incorporates visual art.

It is true that we seldom delve into discussion about such issues here on LIB. However, if you are interested; feel free to join AAHN; we have an active membership with discussion groups featuring various professionals with alternative ways to address a sundry of educational issues including learning disabilities; learning abilities, african-centered education in the West; educating african youth in the East, and independent learning institutions. We work, lobby, and advocate for the special needs of children; with many years of experience developing curricula in addition to working with autistic youth. Give thanks for the sound blast.