On disABILITY and Special Education in HSD

By Elaine Fox, Ed.D.

At some point in each of our lives, we all will become disabled. If we are so lucky, we will have the opportunity to brush the grey hair from our tired brow, feel our creaky joints as we amble about, and experience the calm and wisdom age bestows upon us. We also will very likely experience a disability if we already haven’t. The word “disability” can evoke feelings of uncomfortability, weakness and shame in many people and these feelings contribute to the ubiquitous examples of ableism and exclusion often seen in our schools and communities.??

But, what if we are brave and smart enough to reconsider traditional ideas and implications of the word “disability”? What if we could conceptualize it as not a weakness, but the ultimate form of strength and courage? A form of diverse thinking that can solve problems in previously unthought-of ways (goodness knows we have enough world problems traditional thinking has not solved)?? A socially constructed vocabulary term simply designed to exclude and oppress? What if disability is actually a symbol of an unstoppable fighting spirit we struggle to find on our hardest days? A concept commanding us to be grateful for our own gifts, and a calling to share them and lift others by doing so? What if disability is a challenge to learn from others who beg us to think, learn, question, feel and evaluate our world differently? What if, instead of explaining and justifying to people why we include students in settings like general education classrooms, school dances or science fairs, we simply ask why not??

Challenging our traditional notions of ability in our schools is the reason I have been a special educator for 27 years. It is work that is more intensive and exciting today than ever before. You’d think it would be easier with time, yet each time I thought I would veer in another direction, an invisible force pulls me back to our brilliant students, our skilled and dedicated staff, and our amazing district that despite all odds, “walks the walk” and collectively provides access and opportunities for all our learners.?

Bethany Hamilton, a young lady who lost her arm in a Hawaiian shark attack as she was surfing at age 13, has said, “I don’t need easy, I just need possible.” I love this quote because it demonstrates the mission we have with all our students in HSD. When we can show them what’s possible by assuming they are able, imagine the way that can change the world! Here in HSD it is our privilege to? show our students what is possible for each of them and help them recognize and value the gifts and talents they contribute to our diverse, beautiful collective community.?

It is a very exciting time to engage in the field of special education and related equity work in Hillsboro School District . We have been working on a multi-year project ensuring students are able to attend their neighborhood school with their community peers. This simple yet profound shift sends a powerful message to our students and families that they are valued community members who belong. Our experienced and talented staff have a deep passion for and understanding of, our students. They creatively and courageously embrace, model and share their skills with others. As much as our amazing team of teachers and specialists know, they will be the first to tell you, as will I, that at the end of the day, we learn tremendously from each of our students and their families, and as a result,?we are that much closer to replacing stereotypical views of ableism and segregation with opportunity, inclusion, and belonging -? improving the world for people of all abilities. Come join our team today!

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