Actively Challenging Normalcy
Jan Weatherly Valle, David J. Connor · 2019
The adoption of a neurodiverse perspective, typically applied to autism, learning disabilities, ADHD, and social and emotional challenges, shifts how a teacher understands difference within students. The women’s movement of the 1970s and multiculturalism in the 1980s contributed to an increased representation of girls and children of color within the school curriculum. Inclusive communities validate all learners. Students understand that every individual has a particular set of strengths and challenges. In an inclusive community, children become aware of how language shapes our thinking and actions. They learn to recognize and resist negative language about any kind of diversity. It is everyone’s responsibility in an inclusive community to reflect upon language usage. As students grow in their disability awareness, class projects become a natural extension.