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“Including Samuel” How do we get a sense of belonging without relying on the enemy? “Including Samuel” is a documentary about the complexities of inclusion. Like so many other issues in our lives, the solutions are far from clear. The documentary focuses on a boy named Samuel, who grew up with cerebral palsy; this document was filmed by Samuel’s father, Habib. Not only does the film show an insight to his son’s life, but it includes other people’s lives who are affected by different mental illnesses.
Including Samuel, a documentary about the complexities of inclusion. Like so many other issues in our lives, the solutions are far from clear. The speaker, Habib, tells the story of his son, Samuel, who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at just one years old; along with others that have a disabilities and how their lives have been affected by inclusion. Principals and teachers spoke about how inclusion has made an impact on the environment at their schools. Including Samuel is about inclusion of all different types of people.
In Belkin article “ the lesson of classroom 506” the article is about a boy named Thomas who has disabilities spectrum, and could not speak , walk , sit unassisted or feed himself . The article is including Thomas who is a kindergarten boy with the special need who is placed in a normal classroom. Belkin discusses an inclusion class and how it allows students with disabilities learn where non-disability students are. I believe that in an inclusion classroom students use each other because they are learning from each other. I believe that “ideally, once an inclusive-classroom is rethought and reconfigured, it will serve clusters of children with special needs, not just one, so that impaired and non-impaired children can come to see one another as peers” (Belkin 2004, pg. 42).
According to the book of Judges, the young nation of Israel started practicing prophetic anarchy, or democratic theocracy. They didn't have any kings or parliaments; instead their politics were shaped by whom they worshipped. When they worshipped God, He was their leader communicating through male or female prophets called judges; when they worshipped idols, hostile armies came and killed and oppressed them. The last judge, Samuel, was a very prophetic man who heard the external, audible voice of the Lord already as a kid.
The documentary allowed the viewer to undergo Samuel’s point of view by following him around and being able to see his everyday life. Although it might not seem like it to some Samuel has a fully functioning adult mind with a life similar to any other college student. It pains me to admit that before watching the documentary the thought of someone with a disability having to overcome so many obstacles didn’t fully click in my head. Samuel interviewing the activists helped me to see the world through the
1 Samuel 3:1-21 NIV Observations/Literary Context/Historical Context 1 Samuel 2 focuses on Eli’s sinful sons and Hannah’s prayer for Samuel. God gets angry at Eli for his failure to control his sons and curses him, saying the next priest will not come from his bloodline. 1 Samuel 3 focuses on Samuel’s call from the Lord. He is told about Eli’s coming death, which he then relays to Eli.
The 1st book of Samuel is a narrative history. Its themes are God is working in history and how to worship the Lord. Samuel was dedicated to God from birth. Functioned as judge and priest. People cried out for a king, against the guidance of Samuel.
These can include; race, gender, ethnicity, sex and sexuality, economic status, disabilities, religious beliefs, age, political beliefs etc. It’s the examination of these differences in a positive, safe and nurturing environment. It is about understanding each other and moving beyond simple acceptance to embracing and celebrating the rich dimensions of diversity contained within each individual. Inclusion; Inclusion is the state of being included, it is used by disability rights activists to promote the idea that all people should be freely and openly accommodated without restrictions or limitations of any kind. It is defined by some as the practice of ensuring that being feel as though they belong, are engaged and connected.
Reflecting on my initial perceptions and communication with families with disabilities has evolved. Initially, I thought that inclusion classes were an injustice to all students. Initially my perception was that inclusion impairs the growth of a student without a disability, and that it’s too overwhelming for a student with a disability to be among a large group of students learning at different levels. Nevertheless, over the past four years of teaching in both settings my perceptions have evolved with an understanding that students must have equal membership and acceptance regardless of their disability. My experience with young adults with disabilities has been rewarding.
As a teacher, I must be highly adaptable and consider a wide range of learning modalities; visual, auditory, and kinesthetic, in designing and delivering instruction. Inclusive classes may require more than one teacher. Teachers and students may require specific technology to help students with disabilities perform adequately. Some students’ mental health needs may go past what a general education school can deliver (Adams. C). While normalization is important, placing kids with disabilities in general education settings may not be in the best interest of the child when the classroom is not set up to meet the student’s needs.
Inclusion Inclusion means making sure every person has a chance to be involved. Involved meaning fully participating and not just watching from the side-lines and being left out. It’s not just adapting the setting to make it accessible to everyone it’s about fully adapting activities to enable every child to take part regardless of ability or disability. There should be no reasons or excuses to leave anyone out.
The article that I read was a study about teachers from normal classrooms and their experiences of inclusion for 143 children who have a disability. Children were tracked over 3 years, then the teachers rated the children of placement in the classroom from high to very high. During the early years of school, the experiences that children have in different classrooms vary. The transitions into school and classrooms are an important time to ensure children’s adjustment and wellbeing.
I admire the importance of the role a teacher plays in the growth of every student. This admiration grew into an avid curiosity with the topic of education. This subject consistently appears on a day-to-day basis, but it is rare to see any representation for those in special education and I instantly became interested in the educational future of those with disabilities. When news went around that Success Academy had open positions for volunteers in the special needs classroom, I happily jumped on board. I was lucky enough to be involved with such a unique set of students, but with that came obstacles that tested my group's endurance and patience.
The Canadian Coalition for the Rights of Children notes, however, that “there are still incidents…where schools and school boards inappropriately separate children with disabilities or fail to provide appropriate support” (2011a: 77). Despite these incidents, the overarching policy and legislation usually entitles children with disabilities— theoretically, at least—to publicly funded education in the same setting as children without 12 disabilities. As well, children with disabilities may be able to obtain the appropriate supports needed to participate in the classroom through the public education system. Barriers to education can take a variety of forms. They can be physical, technological, systemic, financial, or attitudinal.
As Michael Pritchard said, “One of the great things any community can do is not teach tolerance, but live tolerance, not talk respect but teach inclusivity.” One of the most pressing Global issues today is discrimination and the lack of services available to children born with disabilities. According to the World Report on Disability roughly one billion people in the world have some sort of a disability which corresponds to about 15% of the world’s population. Putting into perspective, 1 in every 10 children have a disability. Rates will continue to rise with time and with population growth, unfortunately the need for extra help for those with disabilities will not.
