MPIE is a grassroots organization dedicated to creating partnerships with the primary goals of improving communication, sharing knowledge and resources, and providing leadership to ensure quality educational outcomes for all students.
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Hi all, Here's a great resource on transition, including explanations of transition options and checklists for certain grades that was developed by MMSD. Check it out and share it with your own sc...
Started by Beth Swedeen in Resources Feb 18.
High Performing School Districts - Check out this new Blog from MMSD's Director of Educational Services, Ann Yehle. She encourages all Madison Partners to join in the conversation and create truly ...
Started by Lisa Pugh in Resources. Last reply by Ann Yehle Feb 11.
Hi all, this attached version of What's Poppin' from Ann Yehle and her team includes some interesting events coming up in the next couple weeks and list at the end of key administrative staff rela...
Started by Beth Swedeen in Special Education Jan 18.
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e issues. Although I did receive an “A” from Mr. Tjader in high school biology, science was never my forte. A week of intense reflection with groups of philosophers, theologians, researchers and surgeons awakened a new interest and, to be honest, some specific concerns."If a diagnosis is sought by either chorionic villus sampling or amniocentesis, in the United Kingdom for example, a miscarriage incited by the procedure occurs in 1/100 women and the loss of another 300 perfectly healthy babies in addition to those with Down syndrome occurs annually.2 It seems as if culture has determined that there is no greater tragedy to befall pregnancy than a child with Down syndrome. So “bad” is the scourge of trisomy 21 that society deems it worth losing an additional 300 children without any apparent abnormality in their relentless effort to eradicate those with Down syndrome."

st…
Being a part of the White House Egg Roll this week was, in a word, incredible. For my three children, the highlights were seeing the Obama girls’ playset, meeting Sponge Bob in person and, of course, rolling eggs. For me, just being there was spectacular. What an experience to partake in a national tradition dating back to 1878. In that year, Rutherfo
rd B. Hayes was president, it was the post Civil War Reconstruction Era, and the country was in economic turmoil - struggling to unify. Sound familiar?
Hayes is a somewhat forgettable president in my book. He campaigned on the promise to serve one term and kept that vow. His decision to host the egg roll on the White House lawn instead of on Capitol Hill (which was banned by Congress since it took a toll on the turf) is among the major bullet points in his presidential biography.
But interestingly, as I researched the history of the egg roll prior to our family’s visit to the South Lawn, I came across his inaugural speech. Here’s an ironic excerpt:
"With respect to the financial condition of the country, I shall not attempt an extended history of the embarrassment and prostration which we have suffered during the past three years. The depression in all our varied commercial and manufacturing interests throughout the country, which began in September, 1873, still continues. It is very gratifying, however, to be able to say that there are indications all around us of a coming change to prosperous times."
Wow. Can you say prophetic? Today I reflect on how Hayes’ prediction of prosperity held true for the people of that era. Will it be so for my children?
As our family left the White House grounds, green wooden souvenir eg
gs in hand, we recognized we would likely never have a historic experience of this magnitude again. We took tons of pictures, lingered at the wrought iron gate and waved farewell.
Our only regret during our two hour adventure was not catching a glimpse of President Obama. (Maybe he was in the Easter Bunny suit?) But, we figure the Pugh’s have a few more months to experience the nation’s capitol. Who knows what we’ll see or who we’ll meet next? I guess an encounter with Sponge Bob will have to suffice for now.
Lisa Pugh is the 2009 Kennedy Foundation Public Policy Fellow. She will work on disability public policy for the House Committee on Education and Labor during the 111th Congress and is being sponsored by The Arc Wisconsin. She will live for one year with her family in Washington and return to her home in Madison, Wisconsin to share what she’s learned in January 2010.
er the bus”. To be more specific, when asked if he’d improved his bowling technique since the campaign when he famously bowled a 37, Mr. Obama responded with a chuckle that he had, but that his game was still a bit “like Special Olympics.” Hear audience roar.So, what do I think?
Now, perhaps you’re thinking, “But Lisa, you’re from a blue state and likely the most liberal town in America, how can you criticize our President?” Well, I can and I will, but first, let me explain something about my daughter.
By far the hardest thing I’ve done since taking this public policy fellowship has been spending time away from my family. Thank goodness for technologies like Skype and speakerphone, but with 837 miles between us, nothing can replace a hug.
I have three adorable children, but my 9-year-old Erika is the reason I am here. Although I miss her terribly, cyber-communication with this third-grader is a challenge on many levels. Anyone who knows an ounce about autism and Erika will tell you social skills and communication are not her strengths. And yet, when mom appears full-screen on the laptop singing “Who Let the Dogs Out”, she is mesmerized. (Wouldn’t you be?) With her communication device nearby (she is non-verbal), she might respond by requesting additional live “Mom Karaoke” or telling me about music class or a recent trip to Grandma’s house.
But then, due both to her challenges and the limitations of the technology, there are other days when I see her as I imagine others often do. She struggles to put thoughts together, perseverates on a message and repeats the same word (on her device) continually. Today there was a constant string of “violin”, “violin”, “violin.” I am left to consider - What exactly is she thinking? What is she trying to say?
When I have my dark moments, I recall what past “educators” have told me or said when I wasn’t present. That Erika is not thinking much. That she has little potential. That I am “in denial” about what she is really capable of.
But a mother always knows her child best. And so, during these cyber conversations, I wait. I listen. I ask questions. I know that when I get it right, she will tell me.
But I also know that, unfortunately, I have more patience than others who encounter people with disabilities. They may feel uncomfortable, have little previous exposure, or simply do not know what to do.
While others, in their ignorance, may write her off as having nothing of significance to say, I have experienced time and again that she is worth waiting for. And then it comes. We get past her brain block of “violin, violin, violin” and she says “Mr. Stein” in “music class” playing “guitar”. It is finally a two-way conversation. And it sometimes brings me to tears for the effort it takes her to prove her value.
My guess is Barack Obama (or George Bush, for that matter) hasn’t had a real conversation with a person with an intellectual disability. Why would he? Just like you and me, he likely never shared a classroom or workplace with someone like Erika.
So who is to blame for an off-handed put-down? Ultimately, I blame myself. That’s right. When I don’t ask that neighbor girl over for a playdate, when I give up rather than offer strategies and support on how to include my daughter, when I choose to not enroll in community swimming lessons because I know it will be hard, I perpetuate segregation and ignorance. The Barack Obama’s of the world will never know my daughter if I don’t make the effort.
I also blame myself because, before I had my child, I am certain I used the R-word, laughed at R-jokes or even made some myself. Bottom line is, disability ignorance remains part of our culture.
I have to remember that I wasn’t born with an accepting, inclusive attitude toward people with disabilities. Like many of my friends and family, I went to a school where the kids with special needs were educated in that classroom down the hall or perhaps the school an hour away. They didn’t go to football games. They didn’t attend dances. When I helped organize our Horicon High School class reunion a few years back, I looked through the yearbook for these kids - many were not included. We tried to invite them. None came.
That is not to say we shouldn’t expect more of our national policy makers. They absolutely require a broadened view of the world, despite their own personal experiences. But it is ultimately up to advocates and parents to take those baby steps away from segregation and toward normalcy and inclusion. In time a joke involving the R-word or mimicking a person with disabilities simply won’t be funny or acceptable because it will be about your friend.
So, is B.O. off the hook? In my book, no. As they say, “He has some splainin’ to do”. But, as I think you’d agree, the best measure of any politician’s values is not in words. Mr. Obama has four years to move beyond his Tonight Show comments with some concrete actions. Many advocates, including Erika and myself, will be paying close attention.
Lisa Pugh is the 2009 Kennedy Foundation Public Policy Fellow. She will work on disability public policy for the House Committee on Education and Labor during the 111th Congress and is being sponsored by The Arc Wisconsin. She will live for one year with her family in Washington and return to her home in Madison, Wisconsin to share what she’s learned in January 2010.
I am now convinced that moving a bill through Congress is much like birthing a baby. Time-consuming, anxiety-producing, and quite often, painful.
Yesterday I watched as a colleague shepherded proposed legislation through what is called the committee mark-up process. She had spent days and late evenings on the phone with everyone – from Whigs to the White House (well, maybe not Whigs) -
making deals, striking sentences, adding pet projects. As she returned from the committee chamber, victorious in moving her “baby” out of committee, I asked if the worst was over. She replied, “Oh, no. It’s just begun!”
That’s when it struck me. This was legislation by artificial insemination!
You see, my co-worker’s bill hadn’t taken the easy or more natural route. Bills which do that are “passed on suspension”. Suspension bills have no obstacles – no real debate – sometimes the conception even happens without fanfare. (Ladies may find it easier to follow my analogy.) Like a recent “Recognize National School Breakfast Week” bill – there’s not a lot to discuss. And, just like a Mom with octoplets, we often pass several suspension bills out of committee each week. Piece of cake.
What my colleague had just experienced, however, required intense consultation and a delicate combination of support. When the bill (on national service) received nearly unanimous committee approval – she finally had assurance. Her legislation was on its way. But she still had months to go before delivery.
This week I was privileged to coordinate a hearing in our committee. This process often comes before legislation is ever conceived, much less discussed. It’s as if Congress is contemplating, “Should we really make a baby out of this?” I have been researching my topic (education in alternative settings) for weeks, and invited witnesses from across the country to travel to Washington to share their views. Maybe the Congressional members heard today’s testimony and thought, “It’s time to start a family of legislation on this topic.” Or maybe not. It may be months before we know.
When a bill moves out of our committee, that’s when we get a sense for how difficult the labor (pun intended) might be. Will the Senate or the Republicans be amenable to collaboration (a.k.a. numbing the pain) or are they gearing up for an all nighter. If you’re a parent yourself, you know most times the details of delivery are outside of your control. (No scheduled C-Sections on the House floor.)
While the process of “bill birth” on C-SPAN may not be the same exhilarating viewing as baby’s first bath, it is exciting for my fellow political geeks. Especially those who’ve had a hand in the process.
I apologize if my analogy is a bit simplistic. At times my DC experience seems so surreal that it’s helpful to re
flect on what I consider the core of my work. Being a mom and possessing a vision for how I’d like the world to look for my own children helps me to write every word, engage each conversation, deflect any obstacle.
Lisa Pugh is the 2009 Kennedy Foundation Public Policy Fellow. She will work on disability public policy for the House Committee on Education and Labor during the 111th Congress and is being sponsored by The Arc Wisconsin. She will live for one year with her family in Washington and return to her home in Madison, Wisconsin to share what she’s learned in January 2010.
© 2009 Created by Lisa Pugh on Ning. Create Your Own Social Network