Lesson Number 2

Understanding Disabilities and Current Trends in Best Practice

This lesson covers the history of the disability rights movement and the independent living movement. It also introduces the learner to current trends in best practice for serving children with disabilities and how these practices have emerged from a tragic history of discrimination.

Text Version

Audio Streaming

MP3 Audio Download

Resource and Study Media for this Lesson:

UCP Video

History of the Disability Movement in TN: Part 1

Institutionalization of persons with disabilities in Tennessee and the first efforts to depopulate the developmental centers.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c9LaFHeuuVM

History of the Disability Movement in TN: Part 2

Lawsuits brought against the State of Tennessee and the large developmental institutions by the US Department of Justice and People First of Tennessee

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n4xddt-5pZA

History of the Disability Movement in TN: Part 3

Problems with deinstitutionalization in Tennessee and challenges brought by parents and guardians of persons with disabilities who were living in the state institutions. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q7YHNcMhA8c

History of the Disability Movement in TN: Part 4

After deinstitutionalization: Waiting lists and the impact of the focus of state funds on the court protected class members.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UEjupp4Qbtk

Online Video Resources:

Wadhurst Primary School

Inclusion of 10 special needs children

http://www.teachers.tv/video/2861

Heather's Journey

from special education to inclusion

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5EA45ko7iwU

National Professional Development Center on Inclusion

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lRHpQqqp4NE