New School Opening Brings New Possibilities for West Sacramento Community

It is already amazing what this school has been able to do in less than two weeks since school started. I am so encouraged by the community that has been created in less than a week of school. My children are so excited about music, art, and sharing books in class! It is wonderful to be part of this great school. As a parent of a child with disabilities, I have become accustomed to my child coming home from school exhausted and feeling beaten-down by socializing at school, but coming home from Lighthouse Charter School has been different. The kids have been inclusive and kind , and even given compliments to my daughter who hasn't experienced being accepted so well by her peers before.

The opening of Lighthouse represents the culmination of years of planning and months of dedicated outreach and investment on the part of committed parents with a shared a vision for creating an educational option with a collaborative culture, and meaningful involvement from community groups and parents. I'm so grateful to all the parents who made this new school option a reality and for contributing all of your wonderful kids to our school. I really believe we've created something special!

The first day of school was commemorated with a ribbon cutting ceremony with West Sacramento Mayor Chris Cabaldon, and the mascots for the Sacramento Kings and River Cats. Read the Sacramento Bee's coverage of the opening Lighthouse Charter School and the parent-driven movement for collaborative education.

A Comparison of Religious Perspectives on Social Action

A view of the perspectives of Emma Watson and Cesar Chavez, from these two videos:
Emma Watson's talk at the United Nations on why gender equality is necessary (normaljean2, 2014), and Cesar’s Last Fast (Perez & Parlee, 2014).

Emma Watson’s speech at the UN served to introduce a new campaign for gender equality, the #HeForShe initiative. Watson described why she identified as a feminist and went on to say that the term (feminist) has become a negative term abandoned by most women and that it had also become, mistakenly, synonymous with hating men. This is where she said that she felt compelled to do something, because there was no way to work towards gender equality if we ignored the gender biases that disserve men and if we didn’t include nearly 50% of the population in the conversation. Watson extended an invitation for men to be involved in the work to provide equal opportunities, to provide equal pay, education, to promote a society in which women can be strong and men can feel free to be sensitive without defying gender stereotypes.

Cesar’s Last Fast is a documentary that tells the story of the life’s work of Cesar Chavez through the lens of a 36 day fast her undertook in 1988 to call attention to the health hazards farm workers and their children face because of their exposure to pesticides. Family members and other leaders who worked alongside Chavez in organizing the labor movement for migrant farmworkers tell the story of the fast and describe Chavez’ fast as penance for having not accomplished more to help the children suffering from cancer and dying of other maladies caused by exposure to toxics. Chavez’ son states: “Penance is a personal act. You’re not acting for someone to forgive you, you’re doing something to make up for your own personal shortcomings” (Perez & Parlee, 2014). Through the story of the fast, we see how Cesar Chavez was influenced by his roots in a migrant farm-working family during the Great Depression and how his family’s working conditions led to him attending 27 different secondary schools and dropping out to work in the fields, suffering discrimination for being Latino, and becoming a social organizer and the leader of organizing labor for farm workers and creating the UFW. The story of Cesar’s work to improve the lives and working conditions of farm workers intersects many times with other notable figures in social activism and civil rights, including Senator Robert F Kennedy, the Reverend Jesse Jackson and Martin Sheen (legally named Ramón Estevez) (Kupfer, 2003). Cesar Ended his fast after many leaders in civil rights and social justice movements convinced him that they could preserve his life and expand the movement of his fast by creating a rolling fast where people would fast for 2-3 days and then pass along the gesture to the next person in a chain.

Why I chose these two stories:
I found both of these stories to be personally compelling because of my familiarity with the movements but lack of depth about the backgrounds of the people behind them, let along how their religious beliefs might shape their perspective and approach to change. From this documentary, I learned how much of Cesar Chavez’ shaped by his Catholic faith and how devout he was. He was also influenced by his native ancestry and felt personal responsibility for the people he was influencing. Chavez’ son described how the Mayan traditions of bloodletting and self-sacrifice on the part of Mayan leaders was an important part of the spiritual tradition and how that influenced Cesar’s ideals. I also saw ways in which he was able to utilize his faith in his approach to problem-solving the barriers to the social movement he was undertaking. At one point when he was at a loss on how to reach workers of a large remote ranch that they couldn’t access legally, he thought of the idea to create a type of shrine and chapel in the back of a car that eventually became a gathering for thousands, which provided a way to have legitimate traffic flow in the area, unite large groups with authentic religious services and be able to talk to the workers in the area about their working conditions. Chavez also turned the 400-mile march through the central valley, to the state capitol in Sacramento into a procession for Easter and was able to draw on the shared faith of the many migrant workers to increase the depth of the movement and to sustain the long fight for workers rights.

I am also always moved to learn more about what compels a person who seems to hold a place of relative privilege to take risk to advocate for social change, when they don’t need to take the risk. This is part of what I find so fascinating about both Emma Watson and Martin Sheen. Learning more about Sheen’s background, he has several commonalities with Chavez and was born to immigrant parents and a father who is Spanish, but Sheen is also a self-described devout Catholic and his presence in Cesar’s Last Fast is quite striking. It also reminds me of how art imitates life through the role created for Sheen in the West Wing and particularly the themes presented in The Two Cathedrals, when Sheen’s character grapples with the role of God in the injustices of recent events and defies Catholic tradition because of the deeply conviction he feels that God has been unjust towards those who have been harmed. (kireon1, 2012) Sheen also has been so personally involved in social reform work that it has gotten him arrested over 60 times and when asked what drives him to be so active is social justice and peace issues, he’s said: “I do it because I can't seem to live with myself if I do not. I don't know any other way to be. It isn't something you can explain; it is just something that you do; it is something that you are” (Kupfer, 2003).

Common ground between the two perspectives
The main commonality I find between the work of Cesar Chavez and the approach to gender equality by Emma Watson is that of extending their movement and their ideals beyond their own group.

Chavez did this by working with other religious civil rights leaders and by tackling worker’s rights issues regardless of ethnicity, culture, religion or race. Jesse Jackson is shown many times in the film with Chavez as an integral part of the movement in the 80’s and although he is Baptist and is known for being leader for other types of rights. (Purnick & Oreskes, 1987) Jackson also worked with Chavez to extend the reach of the movement and to support him during the fast, even though the idea of penance has firmer roots in Catholicism than Protestantism. Chavez also showed how much he was willing to extend his ideals towards other groups by deciding to support the Pilipino workers who went on strike, even though his community felt they were no where ready to take such a measure, they felt it was only right and effective to stand in solidarity with the Pilipino workers and unite causes. His union also fought for the rights of Islamic immigrants and showed respect for their religious traditions.

Similarly, Emma Watson is working from the perspective of a female and a self-proclaimed feminist, but she acknowledges the need for male involvement and actively seeks out male representation in the process of feminine equality. Watson also extends the need for equality to be inclusive of men and addresses the areas where men are marginalized by societal expectations and how that effect can be seen in Briton’s incredibly high suicide rate (normaljean2, 2014).

Differences in the perspectives
Most obviously, Emma Watson addresses her approach to social reform by acknowledging her place of privilege and the benefits given to her by educators and parents who instilled as much effort and faith in her abilities as they would have if she were male. She also is only shown in the early stages of addressing the issue, whereas we can see the culmination of nearly 40 years of Cesar’s civil rights work represented in the film on his last fast. This shows us much greater diversity in the approaches and sacrifices made by Chavez in order to maintain momentum for his movement and to creatively find ways to involve new people and create genuine change.  

Also, notable is how Chavez’s early life of poverty and being a child laborer is far different from the social reality of Emma Watson’s childhood. It could be argued that they both were different from typical children, in that they both were working at a very early age, in a way that can critically interfere with healthy development.

Lastly, Emma Watson is humble in her approach to the work and her ego, similar to Chavez —but Watson doesn’t come from a specific or strong religious background, nor is she working with a group that is likely to be predominantly from one, specific religious background. Emma Watson describes herself as someone who is obviously more spiritual than religious and says that: “I had a sense that I believed in a higher power, but that I was more of a Universalist, I see that there are these unifying tenets between so many religions" (Huffington Post Religion, 2015).

Works Cited

Huffington Post Religion. (2015, March 25). Emma Watson Is A Spiritual Universalist Who Believes In A Higher Power. Retrieved June 1, 2015, from Huffington Post Religion: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/03/25/emma-watson-spiritual-universalist_n_5023862.html
Jackson, J. (2015, June 1). Shrinking middle class squeezes African Americans, Latinos. Retrieved June 1, 2015, from Chicago Sun Times: http://chicago.suntimes.com/opinion/7/71/652824/jesse-jackson
kireon1. (2012, August 18). Two Cathedrals Rant With Translation. [Video File} Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fYcMk3AJKLk
Kupfer, D. (2003, June 31). Martin Sheen Interview. Retrieved June 1, 2015, from The Progressive: http://www.progressive.org/mag_intvsheen
normaljean2. (2014, September 21). Emma Watson UN speech. [Video File} Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-iFl4qhBsE
Perez , R. R., & Parlee, L. (Directors). (2014). Cesar’s Last Fast [Motion Picture].
Purnick, J., & Oreskes, M. (1987, November 29). JESSE JACKSON AIMS FOR THE MAINSTREAM. Retrieved June 1, 2015, from The New York Times: http://www.nytimes.com/1987/11/29/magazine/jesse-jackson-aims-for-the-mainstream.html?pagewanted=all&src=pm

Serving a Neurodiverse Community with Discordant Views on Autism

A Brief Background on Autism Spectrum Disorders

by K. Yeates, May 3, 2015

Leo Kanner, a child psychiatrist a Johns Hopkins University, first used the term “autism” in 1943 to describe 11 children who displayed a set of similar symptoms: lack of social skills, unusual body movements, and rigid routines. Although some of the children were verbal, all had serous learning challenges and lacked social skills to utilize their speech to communicate well with others.

A year later, in 1944, Hans Asperger; an Austrian pediatrician first described patients with similar symptoms but with proficient language use and without serious learning impairments. Although Asperger syndrome was termed at roughly the same time as autism, it was not widely heard of in the United States in the early 1980s (Ozonoff, Dawson, & McPartland, 2002). The similarities between Asperger’s and autism were striking, but this led to divisive opinions as to whether they part of the same disorder. Asperger’s disorder was added to the DSM-IV (Links to an external site.) in 1994 under the umbrella term of pervasive developmental disorders (PDDs), characterized by impairments spanning all areas of functioning: social reciprocity, communication, and repetitive behaviors and interests (Young & Rodi, 2014). However, The DSM-5 released 2013, disposed of Aspergers and PDD-NOS and replaced those diagnoses with just one category, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) (Young & Rodi, 2014).

What makes these terms and diagnostic criteria relevant to our society is that they no longer apply to a small group of children, like Dr. Kanner first described. ASDs have quickly moved from being the subject of rare curiosity to becoming a mainstay in the areas of education, healthcare, insurance, and mental health policy. In 2000, the US Centers for Disease Control reported that 1 in 150 children had been diagnosed ASD. In just 10 years, the prevalence grew to 1 in 68 children (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2015).

Even for people who don’t have an immediate family member with ASD, developmental disabilities have a wide reaching effect. ASDs affect all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups. And the issues faced by those with autism affect far more than 1 in 68. Recent studies show roughly 1 in 6 children in the United States has some form of a developmental disability, ranging from mild disabilities such as speech and language impairments to serious developmental disabilities, such as intellectual disabilities, cerebral palsy, and autism (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2015).

For policy makers or individuals who still doubt the relevance of autism, the economic cost on families and for society is undeniable. Individuals with ASD have higher medical costs on average and intensive behavioral interventions for children with ASD average $40,000 to $60,000 per child, per year. The estimated societal costs of caring for children with ASD were surpassed $9 billion in 2011 (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2015).

The Discordant Realities of Living with Autism

The autism spectrum has widened to encompass a large range of characteristics. Those who represent this spectrum may be considered profoundly disabled or only affected to more mild degrees. Additionally, there are many adults who have an incredible range of unique talents that they claim are inextricably tied to their diagnosis of Asperger’s or autism. What used to appear as a rare, severe and one-dimensional disabling condition is now the purview of a diverse and discordant community.

This leads to many unanswered questions that face the future of funding for non-profits, educational services, progressive policy and advocacy. Where do we draw the line between viewing ASD as a gift, difference or disorder? How can we advocate for changes while respecting the diversity of the autism communities? Is it possible to advocate on behalf of specific policy changes or represent an autism group or organization without alienating another group of individuals who are affected by autism at a varying level?

In order to have a glimpse at the range of voices constitute the range of autism perspectives, I have chosen three short videos that show some common realities of life with autism:

• The first candid perspective from a young man with autism speaking on the problems inherent in much of the autism advocacy work that takes place without the input of autistics. The views he expresses are a growing concern among autism self-advocates and take specific issue with some prominent, national organizations.https://youtu.be/PWnd61C0SgA (Links to an external site.)
• This second clip shows the perspective is primarily from a mother, but also shows the whole family of a young teen with autism and how his disability affects daily life. https://youtu.be/w_23z9yJAq0 (Links to an external site.)
• Lastly, this short clip shows a young, female children in the throws of a severe meltdown that left her parents feeling they had no other option to seek help at a hospital emergency room. Although the child doesn’t seem to be communicating in a typical sense, this is likely her best method of communication in this situation.https://youtu.be/-4drTQsSLXg (Links to an external site.)

Current Trends and their Divisive Forces

Rates of autism and the demand for services show no sign of slowing down, which could lead many policy-makers to question the work of the scientific researchers who receive grants from non-profits, the same nonprofits who are already under fire for spending funds on scientific research to investigate autism. Many self-proclaimed autistics see this work as a move to eliminate" or eradicate the core of their identity and therefore undermine their humanity. Conversely, the opportunity of Increase Demand certainly exists. This challenge that faces the services and non-profits working with autism are “The legitimacy and effectiveness challenges” (Salamon, 2012).

Also facing scrutiny for its legitimacy and efficiency. Increasingly stakeholders are asking: what are these large non-profit autism organizations accomplishing and are they even employing people with autism within their organization?

Philosopher Paulo Freire speaks on the extensively on representing groups who are marginalized or oppressed, but he stresses—like the young self-advocate in the first video—the importance of including the views and voices of those with autism, not just well intentioned politicians, parents or allies. Freire states, “One cannot expect positive results from an educational or political action program which fails to respect the particular view of the world held by the people” (Freire, 2000).

Finally, I believe that there is some hope and accord offered by author and autism self-advocate John Elder Robison in his address to Autism Social, Legal, and Ethical Research Special Interest Group (Links to an external site.) at the 2014 International Meeting for Autism Research (IMFAR):

“I don’t believe the question is ‘who’s going to speak for them.’ I believe the question is, ‘when are we going to develop science to let them speak themselves?’ Everyone who lives with autism experiences suffering. You look at me and I look articulate, but I suffer, in some way, every single day. I think that the duty of scientists is to develop tools in this context to relieve and remediate discomfort and suffering. It is NOT to develop something that is called “a cure,” which has the ring of getting rid of us. If we can focus on relieving suffering and maximizing capability, and when we open up a dialogue and recognize that autistic people stand with other significant recognized minorities in America, then we can begin to talk about changing society” (Robinson, 2014).

I believe that both Freire and Robinson share a very crucial idea. We need to enable for all within a community. This dialogue is imperative for the formation of meaningful programs and for successful policy-making. Perhaps we should start by truly listening.

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. ( 2015, February 26). Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Retrieved May 3, 2015, from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/data.html

Freire, P. (2000). Pedagogy of the Oppressed. New York , NY: Bloomsbury Academic.

Ozonoff, S., Dawson, G., & McPartland, J. (2002). A parent's guide to Asperger syndrome and high-functioning autism. New York, NY: The Guilford Press.

Robinson, J. E. (2014, May 23). John Robison at IMFAR: On Autism Rights, Ethics, & Priorities. Retrieved May 3, 2015, from Thinking Person's Guide to Autism: http://www.thinkingautismguide.com/2014/05/john-robison-at-imfar-on-autism-rights.html?m=1

Salamon, L. M. (2012). The Resilient Sector: The Future of Nonprofit America. Washington D.C.: Brookings Institution Press.

Young, R. L., & Rodi, M. L. (2014). Redefining autism spectrum disorder using DSM-5: The implications of the proposed DSM-5 criteria for autism spectrum disorders. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders , 44.4, 758-765.

Let's Rethink Truancy Rather than Compounding the Issue

I don't even own a cat so I can't just, like, take a cute cat photo and post that a blog for y'all. Instead I've got an article and a diatribe on truancy policy. ‪#‎longreads‬:
I'm so frustrated by educators and politicians "cracking down" on truancy. There is already so little flexibility in our public school systems and the approach by our AG's office, and many other legislators is to be tough on this issue like any other crime without addressing any of the actual issues underlying the fundamental problems.

Truancy is not an issue of simple attendance or always caused by a commitment to education on a parents' part. And it makes no sense to penalize parents in areas where there are no transportation services or accommodations. Our local elementary school sends us letters constantly about the importance of "showing up", never actually giving us concrete ideas or encouragement to engage in our children's education. My child also can only be allowed to stay home sick from school if she has a fever or is vomiting. Nothing less is sufficient so we're forced to send them to school not feeling well or get exposed to viruses unnecessarily.

While my child is 6 and therefore legally required to attend school, her education is more than the three hours in the kindergarten classrooms each day. We have other entire programs built into her schedule and she works hard year round at a huge array of goals to augment the classroom setting. Sometimes what is best for her is to have a few days break at a time that's been difficult for her and our developmental pediatrician has recommended reducing demands. We also have gotten calls from her school warning that there have been multiple cases of confirmed whopping cough on her campus, (seems like maybe kids could be kept home when having those infectious symptoms, not just the fever/vomiting criteria). Yet our school district superintendent keeps mailing the same pointless letters on showing up and not missing even ONE hour of school. It's rude, ineffective, punitive and totally misses the point.
Regarding the article below: Obviously, I'm not a resident of Illinois but I find the idea of parents being fined or jailed for truancy to be disgraceful and the proposal to double the punishment for parents of children utilizing special education to be discriminatory (so obviously, the way we can just glance at Indiana's new law and know deep down that's wrong).

Why can't lawmakers and school districts work with families to make sure there is enough done to meet needs of families who struggle to make it to school? Perhaps we needs built in sick time and a longer school year or floating "family days"? Maybe some families are missing school they don't have reliable transportation, perhaps they've got unaddressed behavior or learning issues or maybe their child has a disability or diagnosis not understandable to these administrators and they can listen and work to find a new service, modification or accommodation so the child can access education better.

http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2015/03/30/lawmakers-truancy-penalties/20169/

Lawmakers Call For Tougher Truancy Penalties For Special Ed

Stiffer penalties could soon be in store for parents in one state whose children skip school, but the harsher punishment would only apply to those with kids in special...

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