Sherry Williams: "Disability" Interpreted Through a Life Story Lens

• In Event: Sheraton Roundtable Session 27
  In Roundtable Session: Perspectives on Difference and Power: Exploring Academic Experiences and Outcomes

Abstract

In the United States, educational "inclusion" of students with diverse learning needs is relatively new. It was not until 1975 that the right to a “free appropriate public education” for children with disabilities was recognized, and not until 1990 that adults with disabilities were granted equal employment opportunities. Arguably, however, systems still exist that exclude and oppress individuals with significant educational support needs (SSN). This study is about one of those people with SSN who was born before federal laws existed and who was not granted a "free and appropriate public education” in her home community, leading to a life experience quite atypical from that of many people with SSN living in the United States.

Authors

• Lindy L. Crawford, Texas Christian University

• Taylor Meneley, Texas Christian University

• Gabriel Stephen Huddleston, Texas Christian University