I must preface this with saying I am in no way an expert in any area really and I write this out of my love for my gorgeous son Thomas.
I remember completing special education courses as components of my Bachelor of Teaching Degree. I went on to do some more work in the area when I was completing my 4 year training - Bachelor of Education. I was a 'targeted graduate' and got a job immediately so I had to complete my '4th year' part time while working and teaching a Year One class and then a Kindergarten class!
Anyway.... I was passionate about learning about students with disabilities and modifying the curriculum etc etc etc..... One thing that really stands out was a comment by the best lecturer I ever had (although there were many great ones). He talked about the special education setting, or mainstream setting in general, fitting the child and not the child having to fit it.
I get sooooooo tired of people asking, "Will Thomas go to a normal school?"
NORMAL?????????
I don't know what is normal for me anymore but my stock-standard response now is, "Thomas will go where ever he needs to go!"
And when I look at my bubbly boy who cuddles me when he sees me 'having a bad day', I know with all my heart and drive that I will fight until the 'shoe fits him' and not the other way around!