LABELING KIDS WITH PHYSICAL DISABILITIES Daniel Humpal

STANDARDS, DESCRIPTION AND RATIONALE Standard #2: Learning Differences The teacher uses understanding of individual differences and diverse cultures and communities to ensure inclusive learning environments that enable each learner to meet high standards. Name of Artifact: Contemporary Issues PowerPoint Date: April 13, 2014 Course: EDUC 101 Description: By choosing an issue, I focus the attention on a problem in the educational world. Rationale: My issue, Labeling, involves understanding a multitude of disabilities.

BACKGROUND INFO History on how physical disabilities were dealt with. For a little background info on labeling, the article Labeling and Disadvantages of Labeling posted on education.com begins with this sentence. “Students identified as having problems in school either will meet eligibility criteria for special education services or will be unofficially with such negative adjectives as “lazy,” “unmotivated,” “slow learner,” or “behavior problem.” (Henley, Ramsey, & Algozzine, 2010) pictured: Stephan Hopkins a delegate from Rhode island who signed the declaration of independence. Hopkins had Cerebral Palsy at the time

LABELING ( EPISODE IV A NEW HOPE FOR LABELING) Advantage of labelingDisadvantage of labeling “Federal and local funding of special education programs are based on categories of disabilities” (Henley, Ramsey, & Algozzine, 2010) “Labels shape teacher expectations. Imagine what your reaction would be if the principal informed you that the new student in your class is mildly mentally retarded. Studies on teacher expectations have demonstrated that what teachers believe about student capability is directly related to student achievement.” (Henley, Ramsey, & Algozzine, 2010)

LABELING (EPISODE V LABELING STRIKES BACK) Positive effectNegative effect IEP (Individualized Education Plan) “ One of the positive effects of labeling students “learning disabled” is it qualifies them to have an Individual Education Plan (IEP). This plan allows them to receive instruction at their current level of functioning, provides them with accommodations and specifically designed instruction, and creates goals and objectives for them” (Kivi, 2012) Note: even though the above texts references learning disabled, it is still relevant to people who are physically disabled. Low Self-Esteem “The learning disabled label can result in the students and educators reducing their expectations and goals for what can be achieved in the classroom.” (Kivi, 2012)

LABELING (EPISODE VI RETURN OF THE LABELING) Advantage of LabelingDisadvantage of Labeling “Labeling enables professionals to communicate with one another because each categorical label conveys a general idea about learning characteristics” (Henley, Ramsey, & Algozzine, 2010) “All children have troubling behaviors. Labels can exaggerate a student’s actions in the eyes of a teacher. A teacher may overreact to behavior of a labeled child that would be tolerated in another.” (Henley, Ramsey, & Algozzine, 2010)

LABELING (FINALE) Positive effectNegative effect Extra Learning Support “Labeling also qualifies students to receive services that they may not have otherwise been able to receive, such as instruction in a learning support room. In this setting the instruction they receive is at a pace much more conducive to their learning.” (Kivi, 2012) Lower Expectation “ Labeling can also lead to others having lower expectations for the student. Adults, including teachers and parents, may think the students cannot do what is required and lower their expectations. If the teachers and parents do not believe in the student’s ability, then the student will not either.” (Kivi, 2012)

QUESTIONS ? Is labeling a child with a physical disability rather than a mental disability more harmful or more helpful? Should certain physical disabilities or certain levels of a disability be labeled at all?

REFERENCE PAGE Henley, M., Ramsey, R. S., & Algozzine, R. F. (2010, July 20). Labeling and Disadvantages of Labeling. Retrieved from education.com website: Kivi, R. (2012, September 11). How the Learning Disabled Label Affects Students. (E. Wistrom, Ed.) Retrieved from Bright Hub Education Website: