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Ashlyn Cummings

Dr. Montague/SEFB 420

November 16, 2016

Reflection #4

After viewing the video Project Youth Doc 2008- Disabled Lives, I gained insight into

how teens perceive individuals with disabilities. The information in the video demonstrated how

teens had a lack of knowledge of types of disabilities, felt that those with disabilities were treated

unfairly, and understood that disabilities could be a barrier to interactions with other. I found this

information to be important to future educators because it allows teachers to understand how

teens truly perceive their peers with disabilities. The video demonstrated that a majority of

people have a lack of knowledge regarding those with disabilities.

This lack of knowledge of disabilities was demonstrated during an interview when

majorities of people were asked, If you had to pick a disability what would you choose?

Although, the question seemed simple to me, a man in the video could not even think of one

disability to answer the question. The teens who were interviewed had an understanding that

individuals with disabilities are different in some way; however, the teens were unable to

differentiate between disabilities. The teacher who was interviewed also provided a great point

about the bipolar recognition of individuals with disabilities in our world. People want to either

acknowledge or deny the existence of disabilities. Understanding these different perspectives is

especially helpful for future teachers so that they are aware of the lack of knowledge in the world

surrounding disabilities. Once teachers recognize and address this lack of knowledge regarding

disabilities, then they can better advocate for those with disabilities so individuals all have fair

treatment.
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The video depicted the poor treatment of individuals with disabilities well. The main

perception of individuals with disabilities in the video is that individuals are incapable of

completing certain tasks and that employers can pay them less. Teens in the video discussed this

unfair and disrespectful treatment. Despite laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act and

the Elementary and Secondary Education Act that help to alleviate discrimination, there is still a

need for teachers to advocate for students with disabilities regarding fair treatment. As a future

teacher, I feel that it is important to combat discrimination of individuals with disabilities. I loved

how the parent of a young girl with Cerebral Palsy helped push her daughter to be as

independent as she could be, just like everyone else. I thought it was great how the daughter

could speak for herself and would not let others treat her any different from her peers. I feel that

unfair treatment towards individuals with disabilities has become the norm over time. Teachers

have the power to help individuals with disabilities find a voice and advocate for themselves so

that they are treated like everyone else.

Teens in the video also discussed the barriers to interacting with individuals with

disabilities. One boy who was deaf shared how the difficulty of interacting with those around

him made him feel isolated from his peers. He had to work on his self-confidence so that he

could interact with those around him. Teens perceptions about individuals with disabilities are

influenced by physical appearances and the fear of the unknown. In high school, I loved talking

to a boy who had Autism. He always had a smile on his face and loved to socialize. My peers

around me, however, were not so quick to speak to him. They felt that his disability hindered his

social skills and that he was incapable of having a normal conversation. However, my peers

perceptions were incorrect because he actually enjoyed socializing and conversing. I think that it

is important for teachers to be mindful of how social interactions can be influential to how teens
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see their peers with disabilities. Teachers need to help individuals with disabilities interact with

their peers so that this perception can be changed for the better.

Overall, I enjoyed this video and the information opened my eyes to how teens perceive

individuals with disabilities. The information is beneficial for educators because it helps teachers

become aware of the lack of knowledge teens have of different disabilities, the barriers they face

in interacting with these individuals, as well as the understanding that individuals with

disabilities can be treated unfairly. As future teachers, I feel it is our job to educate others on

individuals with disabilities, and to break the barriers that are associated with disabilities.