ABSTRACT

Now in its second edition, Rethinking Disability introduces new and experienced teachers to ethical framings of disability and strategies for effectively teaching and including students with disabilities in the general education classroom. Grounded in a disability studies framework, this text’s unique narrative style encourages readers to examine their beliefs about disability and the influence of historical and cultural meanings of disability upon their work as teachers. The second edition offers clear and applicable suggestions for creating dynamic and inclusive classroom cultures, getting to know students, selecting appropriate instructional and assessment strategies, co-teaching, and promoting an inclusive school culture. This second edition is fully revised and updated to include a brief history of disability through the ages, the relevance of current educational policies to inclusion, technology in the inclusive classroom, intersectionality and its influence upon inclusive practices, working with families, and issues of transition from school to the post-school world. Each chapter now also includes a featured "voice from the field" written by persons with disabilities, parents, and teachers.

part I|1 pages

How Knowledge Guides Practice

chapter 1|17 pages

Making Sense of Public School Culture and Context

“Why didn’t somebody tell me that teaching is so complicated?”

chapter 2|30 pages

Contemplating the (In)visibility of Disability

“Why can’t I remember going to school with kids with disabilities or having a teacher with a disability?”

chapter 3|23 pages

Examining Beliefs and Expanding Notions of Normalcy

“What if I don’t feel ready to teach those kids?”

chapter 4|26 pages

Practicing Educational Equity in a Democracy

“What if I’m still not sure about inclusion?”

part II|1 pages

How Practice Deepens Knowledge

chapter 5|38 pages

Selecting Approaches and Tools of Inclusive Teaching

“How do I figure out what to teach in an inclusive classroom?”

chapter 6|36 pages

Creating a Dynamic Classroom Culture

“How can I be sure that I reach everybody?”

chapter 7|24 pages

Assessing Student Knowledge and Skills in the Inclusive Classroom

“How do I know they all got it?”

chapter 8|25 pages

Drawing upon the Power of Two

“What will happen if I am assigned to be a co-teacher?”

part III|1 pages

How Talk Changes Knowledge and Practice

chapter 9|20 pages

Actively Challenging Normalcy

“How can I talk about disability in my classroom?”

chapter 10|27 pages

Promoting Inclusive Beliefs and Practices

“What if my school is ‘not there yet’ in regard to inclusion?”

chapter |1 pages

A Final Note