After having major spinal fusion surgery (T1-T12), my daughter was unable to sit on the high stools in Art class. Rather than make appropriate accommodations for my disabled child’s post-operative needs, administration at District 155 placed a desk away from all other students and made her sit with the trash. I wrote the administrative team and asked for inclusion. My requests were ignored. My child begged her teacher for a simple chair so at least one peer could sit near her. Another concerned staff member brought a chair into the class, which was promptly removed by her teacher. In January, my teen wrote, “l appreciate you taking the time to talk to me, as I've mentioned before I had back surgery in the beginning of the school year so this was a tough start to my freshman year. I really want the opportunity to sit with at least one friend I know you said I can go stand over with ____ but I can't stand for long periods of time. I really do appreciate any change that can help me. So I'm wondering how we can maybe make arrangements so I can sit with my friend. Please let me know how we can accommodate this.”

Her teacher mocked her and wrote, “I understand wanting to sit with your friend, as that's part of the fun of high school! Unfortunately, we will not put another person at your table.” Then she went on to say, “As we have already discussed, you are welcome to go stand by your friend then when you need to, return to your seat.” But here’s the thing- my child is disabled. She has a trach, ventilator, and feeding tube. She CAN’T just go stand with other kids (who are all comfortably seated, working on assignments, by the way) without becoming fatigued. She is entitled to an inclusive workspace, just like everyone else. The art teacher repeatedly called HER a fire hazard…not the space that the district had chosen for her, but my child herself. Her classroom exclusion was initiated and supported by administration. For 18 school days, District 155 made my disabled child sit with garbage- solely because of her disability.

All of our children’s rights are at stake. Normalizing this sort of behavior teaches our children that it’s okay to discriminate against people with disabilities. It teaches our children with disabilities that they matter less. My daughter tried hard to advocate for herself, but was dismissed and shamed by her teacher. She was forced to stay in that situation by administration. What happens to children who are not capable or not comfortable speaking up for themselves?

We demand inclusion. 

We demand accountability for staff who discriminate against and bully our disabled children.  

#TakeOutTheTrashCaryGroveHighSchool

#TakeOutTheTrashDistrict155

@carygroveart

#WeBeCG