by Joni Schmalzried

A dear friend recently gave me an article from a newspaper that was written 24 years ago (1995). At the time I was working as a supervisor of programs in an area school district. The article was written to highlight the ‘transition’ related work we were doing with students with disabilities to help them from school to adult life. Transition Services made its formal appearance in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) in 1990. Early planning for students had been taking place before that, but was not formalized until then. So, at the time, this was cutting edge stuff.

In the article I talked about how important it is to give students ‘choice’ when it comes to jobs and what they do in their free time. At the time we thought we were pretty innovative finding both paid and non-paid work experiences in the community. In fact, one young man (from 1995) is still working at the same paid job he got back then. The article also highlighted the importance of “not limiting students’ dreams.” My favorite quote was that “For many years, other people have spoken for those with disabilities. We are teaching students how to ask and get what they want and teaching parents how to be prepared and informed.” 

As I walked down memory lane reading the article, I was struck by how similar the things I believed and said then are still what I believe and say now. At first, I thought that was pretty cool, but then I realized that maybe I shouldn’t be saying the same things today. Maybe my conversations should be different? If I am saying similar things does that mean we aren’t there yet? After my initial panic, I stepped back and thought about the fact that the first special education law wasn’t signed into law until 1975 and we are still working toward providing the most appropriate education in the least restrictive environment (LRE) for all students.  We are making progress, albeit with two steps forward and one step back. We ARE still talking about some of the same things – especially the really important issues in the lives of individuals with disabilities.  We should ALWAYS be focusing on student value, choice, and independence.

My dream world though…would be that at some point we don’t even need to highlight specific things for individuals with disabilities, but that we are universally meeting the needs of ALL people ALL the time and in ALL places.

Sensory-friendly performances are designed to create a performing arts experience that is welcoming to all families with children with autism or other disabilities that present sensory sensitivities. This performance is held at the Arts United Center (303 E Main St. Fort Wayne) and is free to these families. To access these tickets call 260-422-4226 or go to ArtsTix.org.

For more information contact ttritz@fortwayneballet.org.

December 12, 2019 9am - 5pm

Visit the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum and experience history come alive! Cost of admission is free for members of the community with disabilities including their families and caregivers on this day, pre-registration online is required. Access Days include additional staff and volunteers, access to sensory backpacks, gender neutral restrooms, a quiet space, and new hands-on activities during your visit. 

Questions? Contact Elyse Faulkner at 260-925-1444 ext. 30 or efaulkner@automobilemuseum.org