I recently read and article a friend sent me about a greeting in a distant country where the people press forheads together, look into one another's eyes and say, "I see you." The response is, "I am here." I put this into practice with my children and saw them light up with confidence and the beauty of being recognized and loved.
A worldwide movement of seeing, hearing, accepting...does it start here? Peace?
Let's talk about me, my family, and societal inclusion. I am a mom of two beautiful souls. In our societal view...they are considered 'disabled' with autism. I believe they are intuitive, brilliant and exceptional people with unique ways to teach us.
Throughout thier lives, I have asked, demanded, requested, created and envisioned inclusion for them in the public school systems and society. This vision has been viewed as a privelege, not a right by those I have come up against. Typically the administrators and decision makers in school districts' Special Services offices are allowed to say no, not follow the law, and even lie to parents about the law or their actions in order to save face. Do citizens realize that they pay BIG TAX DOLLARS to pay these people to go to meeting after meeting as well as to trial against parents like me, just to tell us, "NO. We refuse to think outside the box and help your family."? In many cases the law that was brought about to help families like ours is used to harass, isolate and punish families like mine for expecting more. The money spent to say no, could be spent to say yes...and believe me, hours and hours of meetings, paperwork, failures, abuses and covers are where your money is going...not to helping our kids. Teachers, staff or professionals who agree with parents and want to try innovative measures and teach outside the box are often punished for going against the will of the administrative minority.
This is an abuse of power, one of which I think citizens must be made aware of. I feel that on my swim thru the procedural channels I have not been heard. When I am not heard, as the 'advocate/expert/parent' of my children who cannot do this on their own behalf, then my children's lives are being compromised and minimalized.
I believe and envision them being seen and accepted as whole human beings with gifts and dreams...and the ability to share those dreams with everyone...not just those who resemble them. Call it segregation, limitation, misrepresentation, or exclusion...I call it OVER. No MORE!
My frustrations and endless battles led me on a quest. Across the country...in search of excellence, community and education I found a surprise within me instead. And I found that many are still struggling through the muck I thought had started to clear. I found shame, sadness, hopelessness, unawareness and isolation. Tired families, afraid of where to turn for support. A lack of resources and no lack of innovation. I found the need for inspriration, hope and a restructuring of our "norm."
Today I wrote the words...INCLUSION REVOLUTION...on my car, on a sign and I started this blog because the surprise I found was passion. This vision within me is driving my life. I hope INCLUSION REVOLUTION unites many to venture outside the box and see each human dance as an intricate, essential part of our culture.
Please share, listen and insprire throughout our "inclusion revolution" journey. Consider this OUR place to create momentum, power and love as we share and conquer struggles and resistance.
I am open and enthusiastic.
This blog and this movement are for them...my babies in all their glory...and for all of us who share the hope of unconditional love for everyone. Let's put an end to separation.
INCLUSION REVOLUTION!!! Let's do this...TOGETHER.
No comments:
Post a Comment