Logan Smith
Foundation of Exceptional Learners
9/8/08
Star Legacy Module
Initial Thoughts: In watching the video, I saw several photos of people who possess
disabilities. It varied from those who were handicapped and in wheelchairs, to those who
were mentally retarded, and to others who had illnesses that prevented them from being
viewed as normal. The feelings I obtained from the photos were all positive ones. Every
person in that short clip seemed to be laughing, smiling and having a good time whether
they were with either their friends or families. It’s easy to stereotype these individuals
because they were born with a certain disease or aren’t able to keep up with the
traditional pace, but really they are no different than anyone else, and that’s ultimately
how they should be judged. My thoughts on the video clip were genuine in that I felt
extremely bad for those who happen to be disabled. It’s not their fault they were born a
certain way that doesn’t allow them to play sports, or be in advanced classes in school, or
even be labeled as the “cool kid” throughout middle school or high school. They didn’t
pick to have a disability; they were just given one, so why should they be looked down
upon or seen as inferior. It really makes me appreciate, everything that I have because
that kid in the wheelchair could easily be me. It’s obvious that perceptions to matter and
are a part of everyday life. Your first instinct is to judge someone based on their looks or
appearance, and though that may seem shallow and insecure, that’s just the way it is. The
disabled aren’t going to be the first ones picked in gym class, but they certainly do matter
and are an integral part of society. It’s just a shame that a majority of people especially at
Logan Smith
Foundation of Exceptional Learners
9/8/08
the younger age levels perceive those who are disabled in such a disrespectful and
inappropriate manner.
Perspectives and Resources: In my opinion, Jody Barnes’s message is that nobody can
understand what a disabled person goes through on a daily basis except the disabled
person. The ridicule and torture they experience from those who are disrespectful and
immature goes way beyond name calling. When you have an illness at birth, you’re
judged right from the beginning no matter how unfair it is, and unfortunately that
stereotype may never leave you throughout your entire life. The belief about the disabled
is to not give them a chance. Too often we misinterpret sympathy with ridicule and don’t
treat them in a way that’s acceptable and ethically appropriate. We become shallow and
look past their motives and purpose just to come to the realization that they have an
illness and that makes them different from us. I never try to downgrade the disabled in
any way, but perceptions are out there. When you see a kid in a wheelchair, your initial
reaction is to think “he’s different than me.” No one said being different was a bad thing,
but based on previous experiences, my mind is proscribed to think in that manner and
because of the hurtful society that is out there, and it’s really out of my control unless I
myself decide to make a change or difference.
In the movie, Radio, actor Cuba Gooding Jr. plays the part of an autistic kid,
roaming the streets looking for a friend to talk to and looking for a purpose in life.
Gooding Jr. is seen by a nearby high school football coach one day and is transformed
into head football manager of that team after the coach attempts to take him under his
wing and give him an opportunity. At first, all the players make fun of “Radio” because
Logan Smith
Foundation of Exceptional Learners
9/8/08
of his disability and wonder why this kid is even allowed on the same field as them.
However, over time, Radio becomes an integral part of the team and the players rally
around his enthusiasm and support to truly make him feel like he’s a somebody and that
he is important. I thought that the movie was a sign of how autistic kids (or anyone else
with a disability) deserve to be treated and respected with the first half of the movie
indicating how autistic kids are typically viewed in today’s society, constantly being
made fun of and looked down upon. In this instance, the movie Radio hopefully propelled
the adolescent audience to act differently and better towards the disabled. Whether it did
or not is still in question, but maybe just maybe this movie made a difference in
somebody’s life in a positive manner.
Five assumptions for those with disabilities:
1) They’re slower
2) talk different
3) Not viewed as an “athlete”
4) Not the friend type
5) Not seen as boyfriend/girlfriend material
The main concern in looking over my stated assumptions is that those who are disabled
need to be prevented from failure. This could take form in the workplace, classroom, at
home, and so forth. These kids need to be placed into positions where they can be
successful, not further harmed. None of the facts surprised me because there’s a time and
a place for disabled kids to be active in society and then there are other times when it may
Logan Smith
Foundation of Exceptional Learners
9/8/08
be best that they aren’t included or involved if it’s going to hurt them emotionally or
physically.
Biography: This photo shows a lady of high regard in the community who chose a career
in the field of teaching at the college level. A happily married woman trying to support
both her husband and her two kids and earn a living despite the realization that she has
been carted around in a wheelchair her entire life.
Assessment: Yes I do feel that the success of disabled students can be altered by outside
perceptions. Confidence is a huge factor in determining success for a disabled kid, and if
they’re not receiving confidence or a sense of worth from their peers, then who can they
get it from. My major concern in teaching disabled kids would be being too impatient
with them. I could see myself getting frustrated when they were unable to grasp the
concepts that I was teaching, but in no way would they be seen as inferior in my
classroom. Hopefully I could make a difference in their lives as their teacher and
springboard them towards success in the future. If I was in charge of a movie centering
on a character with blindness, I would make sure my audience got the hint that it is a
serious illness and it is something that shouldn’t affect a person’s reputation. I would
want to show the reality of how outside perceptions can diminish this illness in a way that
harms the person involved in ways not seen by the naked eye. I would try to stay away
from stereotypes such as the assumptions I made earlier in the perceptions section so that
my audience could see that changes need to be made to adapt to those individuals
possessing disabilities.