1. Discrimination is an important part of being fully human. We use our discrimination to choose the clothing we wear, our major in school, the people with whom we spend time. It would be unreasonable to ask people to stop being discriminating. On the other hand, some forms of discrimination are detrimental to us and to those we might serve or befriend.

Discrimination against others, or to belittle or make someone feel less or make ourselves feel better is a silent blight on our work to help children with special needs. Section 504 was passed in 1973, making it illegal to discriminate against someone with a handicap. In some ways it is an indictment on all of us that we would need to make a law to protect those with handicaps from those who are able.

In the words of Joseph Calafano: The 504 regulation attacks the discrimination, the demeaning practices and the injustices that have afflicted the nation's handicapped citizens. It reflects the recognition of the Congress that most handicapped persons can lead proud and productive lives, despite their disabilities. It will usher in a new era of equality for handicapped individuals in which unfair barriers to self-sufficiency and decent treatment will begin to fall before the force of law.

Assignment: Issues of discrimination affect parents. To find out just how much discrimination a parent faces who has a child with a disability, make up a list of questions (10 or more, please). Discuss the issue of discrimination with at least one parent. Feel free to check your findings by asking more parents and observing the kind of attention that surrounds youth with noticeable disabilities when they are in public.

Please submit your questions and findings in the response box.

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