Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

To: Arthalion

So your point is that this girl should not be allowed in a public school because of her medical problem. Perhaps you should think this through more carefully.

This is a public school. This girl is a member of the public. Because of the rule of law she has a right to attend this school. Perhaps you don't understand the laws of this country?

I guess for the same reasons you cited for not allowing her in school (distraction, children will be cruel), then say, a dwarf would not be allowed in school either?

It is unfortunate that this girl's seizures will effect the learning environment for periods throughout the week. Of course, anyone familiar with classroom environments would admit that there are both purposeful and natural causes of disruption that occur in all classes, from potty accidents to talking out of turn.

Children ARE cruel, but this girl will be stronger having coped with such cruelties and those who treat her cruelly will learn that their behavior is inconsiderate and immoral.

Most in the class will also learn that many who suffer seizures are intelligent, productive members of society.
People like Dante, Poe, Jonathan Swift, Handel, Paganini, world leaders, authors, artists, etc.

If a parent wishes their child to be in an educational environment where no children with seizures are allowed, I'm sure there are private institutions that will arrange this. This is one of the 'costs' or 'risks' of attending public schools.


35 posted on 08/05/2004 1:30:31 PM PDT by ER_in_OC,CA
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 17 | View Replies ]


To: ER_in_OC,CA
No, I was making two different points, and I guess that I needed to be clearer. A child with dwarfism, blindness, or any of a number of other disabilities that do not cause the educational processes to completely stop SHOULD be allowed in the classroom. They may be disabled, but their disability doesn't have a negative effect on the learning of the other students. Children who suffer from epileptic seizures and other disabilities that DO interrupt the learning process should NOT be allowed in a regular classroom. Yes, as a child of taxpaying citizens she does have a right to be educated by the public school system, but educating a child doesn't necessarily mean mainstreaming. There are plenty of alternative educational methods that could be utilized to teach her without disrupting the classroom. You and other posters here seem to be ignoring the fact that this article isn't describing the type of mild seizures that cause some to go stiff and twitch for a minute or two, but a total loss of control that is more akin to grand mal seizures. That IS disruptive.

My arguments about teasing were meant more in support of the psychological testing. She IS going to be teased, and it's important to know how she'll react to it or if she'll need any kind of counseling to help her adjust. If she reacts badly with a protective dog at her side, who knows what the result would be? I can tell you one result though...the school would get sued by EVERYBODY.
42 posted on 08/05/2004 2:00:42 PM PDT by Arthalion
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 35 | View Replies ]

Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article


FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson