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Full Download PDF of (Ebook PDF) Introduction To Contemporary Special Education: New Horizons 2nd Edition All Chapter
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LOOSE-LEAF VERSION
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When students are engaged deeply, they learn more effectively and
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REVEL for INTRODUCTION TO CONTEMPORARY SPECIAL EDUCATION NEW
HORIZONS seamlessly blends authors’ narrative, media, and assessment,
enabling students to read, practice, and study in one continuous
experience. This immersive educational technology is designed to
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Contents vii
Index 537
prior knowledge that can serve as a foundation to bet- chapters, identify many typical challenges a disability
assignments. Although as outrageous as many other reality shows, it raised aware-
ness by telling the stories of young women with disabilities striving to advance their
careers in the fashion and entertainment industry. And, in an exciting step towards
ter understand the characteristics of speech and language often presents and provide specific solutions that address
more positive inclusion of people with disabilities, the television show Speechless fea-
tures Micah Fowler, an actor with cerebral palsy, in a leading role. To further demon-
impairments (Chapter 5), which most individuals with those challenges. strate how the portrayal of individuals with Visualdisabilities
Disabilities: Low
has Vision and Blindness
changed, 405
this chapter’s
On the Screen features A Brief History of Time, the story of Stephen Hawking, whom you
intellectual disabilities or autism spectrum disorder also to scale the Seven Summits—the highest mountains
read about earlieron
in each
the approximately 350 climbers to ever achieve that feat, Erik is the only
continent.
the chapter Of vignette.
opening
exhibit. And because so many students with other excep- one who is blind. More recently, Erik kayaked 277 miles solo through the
Colorado River in the Grand Canyon—an exploit never before attempted
tionalities also have speech and language impairments, On the Screen: A Brief History of Time
by a blind athlete, much less accomplished by one. Erik utilizes an array
of assistive technology in concert with unique accommodations to support
https://youtu.be/5_y13Pbo4qs
his many adventures. When paragliding, he uses a radio systemoftothe universe. The film shows the overwhelming personal
com-
readers will have a consistent knowledge foundation for municate with his instructor (assistive technology) and hangs a heavy and professional
bell challenges he faced and overcame. This very
fromThis film depicts
a long the life
rope tied of the
to his brilliant
leg theorist
to assist withStephen Hawking
landing human story illustrates the joys and tragedies of his personal life,
(accommodation).
the remaining chapters. Trust us on this! How(seedoeschapter opener), who, despite his physical and health
the bell help? When it hits the ground, the sound signals
disabilities, contributes to human understanding of the origins
to begin landing maneuvers.
buttoit Erik
also centers on his great achievements and the respect he
received from the public and the academic community.
Special Features
their full potential by tackling personal challenges. No Barriers, whose slo-
on an individual who has made a substantial contribution Institute, earned his bachelor’s degree in physics and his Ph.D. in psycho-
that provides the learning outcomes for the chapter. can access and listen to while they watch a video or movie. YouDescribe,
Compare the demographics of today’s schools and their students with those of the Center; and relevant resources from reputable organiza-
such as running, walking, or using a scooter, wheelchair, or handcycle. The
organization also has several specialized programs: Achilles Kids for children Dr. Joshua Miele
past, explain the special education disability categories and how their prevalence
varies, and provide reasons for inconsistencies across the country in services pro- tions. Each chapter concludes with a chapter summary and
with disabilities and the Achilles Freedom Team for U.S. military veterans.
Learning Outcome
Compare the demographics of today’s schools and their students with those of the Advanced Data and Performance Reporting
past, explain the special education disability categories and how their prevalence
varies, and provide reasons for inconsistencies across the country in services pro-
vided to students who are gifted and talented.
Aligned to National Standards
Topic 1.1 All Students Advanced data and performance reporting help instructors
• The 50 million children and youth who attend America’s schools
are very diverse in terms of their backgrounds, race, ethnicity, quickly identify gaps in student learning and gauge and
socioeconomic status, and abilities.
• The demographics and characteristics of America’s students have
address individual and classroom performance. Instruc-
changed dramatically in the last two decades and are predicted to
change more in the years to come.
tors easily see the connection between coursework, concept
Topic 1.2 Students with Disabilities mastery, and national teaching standards with highly vi-
• Students can qualify for special education services under the disability
categories called out in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. sual views of performance reports. Data and assessments
• Prevalence rates vary across disability categories and across the nation.
align directly to CEC Standards and support reporting for
Topic 1.3 Students Who Are Gifted and Talented
• Services for gifted and talented students vary greatly across the country. state and accreditation requirements.
• Many groups of gifted and talented students are often overlooked.
1References for Chapter 1 are found at the end of this text. IRIS Center Resources
Several special features are included in most chapters. The IRIS Center at Vanderbilt University (https://iris
Charts, graphs, and diagrams illustrate important con-
M01_SMIT0766_02_SE_C01.indd 2 15/03/17 12:17 PM .peabody.vanderbilt.edu), funded by the U.S. Depart-
cepts and facts. On the Screen features allow students to ment of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs
assess the portrayals of exceptional individuals reflected (OSEP), develops instructional resources for preservice
in movies and television and to consider the subse- and practicing teachers. The Center works with experts
quent impact on society’s awareness and knowledge. from across the country to create challenge-based interac-
Tips for Teachers supply key points that help create more tive modules, case study units, and other resources that
effective learning environments and A Closer Look at provide research-v alidated information about working
with all students, struggling learners, and those with dis- Acknowledgments
abilities. Because we direct the IRIS Center, we are able to
We want to take this opportunity to thank some very im-
write chapter content that dovetails with the information in
portant people who joined us on this long and challenging
recommended IRIS Modules, thus enhancing the learning
journey. First to our families, whose patience and support
process for readers.
surpassed what anyone could ever expect. Thank you for
your tolerance and for being so understanding of our col-
Supplementary Materials lective crankiness. To our husbands, Jim, Ken, and Vaughn:
The following resources are available for instructors to We owe you many date nights. To our children, Steve,
download on www.pearsonhighered.com/educators. In- Kyra, Kailyn, Ashley, and Callie: This text is to honor the
structors search for the book by author or title, select the five of you. We are ever grateful for your involvement in
book, and then click on the “Resources” tab to log in and the development of this text and its various elements.
download textbook supplements. Steve, thank you for your continued involvement in the On
the Screen features found in the text. Ashley, for your detail-
Test Bank (0-13-451635-4) oriented help all along the way, from assisting us with the
The Test Bank includes a robust collection of test items. initial document preparation to creating the PowerPoint
Some items (lower-level questions) simply ask students supplement, thank you!
to identify or explain concepts and principles they have We want to express our gratitude to Brenda Knight
learned. But many others (higher-level questions) ask Trevethan, whose keen eye and artistic talents have left an
students to apply those same concepts and principles to indelible mark on this edition. Brenda’s talents are evident
specific classroom situations—that is, to actual student be- throughout this edition, from the cover to the wonderful
haviors and teaching strategies. Characteristics-Challenges-Solutions figures to graphics that
support so many segments of text. We thank you for your
TestGen® (0-13-451636-2) creativity, problem solving, and willingness to always take
TestGen® is a powerful test generator that instructors install on one more task. We also want to give a special thanks to
on a computer and use in conjunction with the TestGen those remarkable individuals who allowed us to share their
testbank file for the text. Assessments, including equations, stories: Sara Solomon, Belinda Butler, Helen Pandey, and
graphs, and scientific notation, may be created for both Steph Zundel.
print or testing online. We also want to take this opportunity to acknowledge
TestGen is available exclusively from Pearson Edu- the members of the Pearson Team who contributed their
cation publishers. Instructors install TestGen on a per- time and expertise to the creation of the print and REVEL
sonal computer (Windows or Macintosh) and create tests versions of this text. We would like to recognize Ann Davis,
for classroom testing and for other specialized delivery our long-time editor who worked with us over so many
options, such as over a local area network or on the Web. previous texts. Her vision and partnership during the first
A test bank, which is also called a Test Item File (TIF), typi- edition of New Horizons and during the initial phase of this
cally contains a large set of test items, organized by chapter edition shaped the end result. We want to thank Kevin
and ready for use in creating a test, based on the associated Davis for taking the reins from Ann and believing in our
textbook material. ability to contribute to the development of an interactive,
The tests can be downloaded in the following formats: digital text that represents today’s best publishing technol-
ogy. We also want to acknowledge Jon Theiss (our Digital
TestGen Testbank file - PC
Dumbledore) who guided this REVEL product from the
TestGen Testbank file - MAC
beginning. Even though the development “rules” seemed
TestGen Testbank - Blackboard 9 TIF
to be in constant flux, he retained a positive tone that kept
TestGen Testbank - Blackboard CE/Vista (WebCT) TIF
us going. To Kathy Smith (our printed-page Yoda), we owe
Angel Test Bank
a special thank you for ensuring that the print version is
D2L Test Bank
appealing and as user-friendly as possible. Kathy’s exper-
Moodle Test Bank
tise in managing a complicated project with so many dis-
Sakai Test Bank
crete elements is evident in the final product. Thanks to
the entire Pearson team. Because of your contributions
PowerPoint® Slides (0-13-451640-0) and confidence in this project, we are sure that the unique
The PowerPoint slides include key concept summariza- designs and features of this innovative, interactive text will
tions, diagrams, and other graphic aids to enhance learning. help make the next generation of teachers and practicing
They are designed to help students understand, organize, educators more skilled and informed about students who
and remember core concepts and theories. face learning and behavior challenges.
Finally, we would like to thank the following review- should be packaged. We believe that when these synergies
ers for their insightful comments and suggestions: Jasmine are achieved, more students with disabilities will benefit,
Begeske, Purdue University; Bonnie Butcher, University of be college- or career-ready after high school, and achieve
the Cumberlands; Rebecca Cohen, Pima Community Col- their dreams. To be honest, however, it may well be that our
lege; Veda Jairrels, Clark Atlanta University; and Elizabeth excitement lies in the fact that this project’s long develop-
A. Montanaro, Catholic University of America. mental journey is complete. It took over two years to com-
We conclude with one final explanation of our enthusi- plete this revision. The product has finally evolved from a
asm for this project. We were able to incorporate our beliefs set of ideas into being a reality. We hope you are as pleased
about what is important for the next generation of education with the outcome as we are.
professionals to know, why they need to be continually curi-
ous about ways to improve their instruction and to become DDS, NCT, & KGS
excellent consumers of research, and how this information
Watch LeDerick Horne as he shares his poem, “Dare to Dream,” in this video:
“Dare to Dream”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HbOxNvuwabo
Learning Outcomes
Putting Exceptionalities Into Perspective
Compare the demographics of today’s schools and their students with those of the
past, explain the special education disability categories and how their prevalence
varies, and provide reasons for inconsistencies across the country in services pro-
vided to students who are gifted and talented.
Disabilities and Social Justice
Document instances of bias and discrimination experienced by people with dis-
abilities and explain how rights to inclusive education and community presence
were won.
Making a Difference
Explain what people first language is and why using it is important to people
with disabilities.
The Changing Landscape
Using three dimensions—academic, post-secondary education, and community
presence—describe progress made and discuss goals that still must be achieved.
he Axis Dance Company performs worldwide with the purpose of changing the face of dance and
T
disability. To learn more about this exciting group of performers, go to their Website: www.axisdance.org
outcomes for most, too many others struggle in school because of their
life circumstances.
Although this text focuses on children and youth with disabilities,
it is important to put them into proper perspective and understand the
demographics of all of America’s youth and their educational situations.
Many of us have preconceived notions about America’s schoolchildren,
often obtained from media headlines, which may not always represent the
full picture. It is vital to base educational knowledge and decisions about
instructional practices or policies on real data from reliable resources.
Sometimes, those data can be surprising, prompting us to reconsider what
we thought was fact, to re-examine our own perceptions, and to question
our information sources. Let’s look at some data that present a picture
of all of America’s children and the education they receive. As you read
Photo courtesy of Front Row
along, ask yourself if the information presented aligns with your beliefs.
Approximately 50 million children and youth attend U.S.
schools. They are diverse in respect to background, race and ethnic-
ity, socioeconomic status, abilities to perform well, and type of edu-
cation provided to them through the educational system. While White
children accounted for 63% of the school population in 1997, they now
make up less than 50% of the overall national school population. The figure illustrates
the racial/ethnic composition of schools for the 2014–2015 school year. However,
the U.S. Department of Education predicted that for the 2015–2016 school year, the
nation’s school population will change to a “minority–majority” status.
4%
5%
14%
51%
25%
Asian/Pacific
Native American Multi-racial
Islander
SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, The Condition of Education, 2015, 2016.
Most of America’s children receive their education through the public school sys-
tem. About 50 million schoolchildren attend public elementary or secondary schools;
an additional 5 million students attend private schools. Because charter schools are con-
sidered public schools, their students are counted with all other public school students.
Despite all the attention on charter schools, it may be surprising to learn that in 2014
less than 5% of public school students attend these alternate educational institutions.
The federal government predicts that the overall public school enrollment will
increase 7% between 2012 and 2020, which is less than the overall trend seen over
the past three decades. Elementary enrollment—pre-kindergarten through eighth
grade—increased 30% between 1985 and 2012, while secondary enrollment increased
19%. The most dramatic enrollment increase, 745%, was noted for preschool, partici-
pation in which is optional. Two primary reasons for the large increases in preschool
enrollment are (1) an overall population increase and (2) a greater preschool participa-
tion rate. The participation rate of three- to five-year-olds in preschool increased from
59% in 1990 to 65% in 2013. In what may be a hopeful sign of better school readiness
(which leads to later school success), the percentage of children enrolled in full-day,
rather than half-day, programs has increased from 39% to 60%.
What kinds of changes have occurred in the public school population? Across the past
40 years, the demographics and life conditions of America’s children have changed
greatly, mostly due to two groups of youngsters: Latinos/Hispanics2 and Asians.
Since 1997, the number of Hispanic students has doubled and the number of Asian
students has increased some 46%. You might be surprised to learn that this growth is
due to the number of students born to families in the United States, not due to immi-
gration. While rates of immigration vary by state, with Texas, California, and Florida
2Across the United States many different terms are preferred when discussing race and ethnicity. In this text
having much higher percentages, almost all children from diverse backgrounds are
born in the United States. Although their parents may be immigrants, less than 5%
of America’s children are themselves immigrants. This fact challenges many people’s
assumptions about Latino/Latinas in particular, in part because of continual media
reports about immigration issues and undocumented workers. In fact, recent research
findings challenge other commonly held misperceptions. The majority of U.S.-born
Latinos come from English-speaking or bilingual (Spanish- and English-speaking)
homes; English proficiency is at an all-time high. While first-generation immigrants
do tend to struggle economically, second-generation Latino/Latinas fare much better
than their parents did. Although not yet on par with their White peers, Latinos are
completing high school, graduating from college, working in a wide range of jobs, and
joining the middle class. Education is a priority for these students and their families,
and their post-school successes indicate that this focus is paying off.
Why is this information important for you to know? Because it is human nature to
make rash judgments about people, often based on stereotypes or on missing, inaccu-
rate, or incomplete information. A teacher might assume that a Latino student in her
class comes from a poor family, that he and his parents are immigrants, or that he does
not speak English well. Instead, educators must guard against making stereotypical
assumptions about any student, every one of whom deserves a high-quality education
that challenges them and provides opportunities to excel.
Although the proportion of children born outside the United States is low, at
around 5%, a slightly larger percentage (9%) of all students are English language
learners (ELLs), also referred to as English learners (ELs)—they do not speak Eng-
lish at home. The percentage of ELLs includes students who speak languages other
than Spanish (e.g., Chinese, Tagalog, Vietnamese, Korean, Arabic). As you will learn in
Chapter 3, these students are not proficient in English and thus require language sup-
ports to benefit from classroom instruction.
*Deafness and hearing impairments are called out in IDEA as two separate disabilities.
You will learn the definitions and eligibility criteria for special education services
for each disability category in the disability-specific chapters later in this text. In general,
it is important to know that simply having a disability does not automatically qualify a
student for services. For example, a student who has a vision loss and uses glasses does
not always require special services. However, if that student’s educational performance
is negatively affected in a substantial way by the vision loss, even when wearing glasses,
then the student is probably eligible for special education services, most likely provided
by a vision specialist (i.e., a teacher of students with visual impairments, or TVI).
How common are disabilities among public schoolchildren? Every year since IDEA
was first passed in 1975, the federal government has collected data from each state
about students who receive special education services. These data, summarized in the
Annual Reports to Congress, capture all types of information, including age, disability
category, and race/ethnicity. Having such national data collected from every state,
every year, has several advantages.
First, the data help us to determine the number or prevalence of students who
receive special services. The most recent data reported in the Annual Report to Congress
indicate that roughly 8% of America’s public schoolchildren between the ages of 6
and 213 receive special education services. This prevalence rate has decreased slightly
across time—in 2004, 9% of all public school students ages 6 to 21 received special
education services. In addition to identifying the overall prevalence rates of students
who receive special services, these data reveal the national and state prevalence rates
for each disability category. Overall trends for disabilities across time show interesting
changes. Here are some specifics. For many years, learning disabilities represented
over half of all school-age disabilities. Although the learning disabilities category has
the highest rate, its prevalence has been declining over recent years, in part because of
new early intervening techniques and the implementation of research-based practices
(some of which you will learn about in Chapters 2 and 6). In contrast, the prevalence
3Students with disabilities are eligible for special education services through age 21, due to the extended
of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has been increasing dramatically, due to both the
increasing occurrence and the application of a broader definition than was used histor-
ically, which allows more children to qualify. Some conditions like physical disabilities
and traumatic brain injury (TBI) have increased incidence rates, but improved medical
treatment procedures have kept the need for a special education response consistently
low across time. The graph shows the proportion or percentage of students identified
within each disability category who receive special education services, while the box
titled Prevalence Rate vs. Severity introduces issues for consideration. For more about
the prevalence of students with disabilities, visit http://nces.ed.gov/programs/coe/
indicator_cgg.asp.
40
30
20
10
0
s
s
ge
ts
M ral na y
of ties
s
TB
De ple rd d
ie
ie
ie
la
ie
es
in
/h isa s
AS
en
so n
er
ua
lit
lit
ilit
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lit
ar
ul di l a
dn
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irm
bi
bi
bi
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ng
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is
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Type of disability
SOURCE: Data from U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, The Condition of Education,
Children and Youth with Disabilities, 2016, http://nces.ed.gov/programs/coe/indicator_cgg.asp Data Analysis
A second advantage to national data collection is that policy makers can detect
state-by-state differences in prevalence. An analysis of the percentage of the school
population between the ages of 6 and 21 who receive special education services shows
some surprising variations. For example, roughly 6% of all schoolchildren receive spe-
cial education services in Idaho and Hawaii. However, the rates in those states are
much lower than in Massachusetts and New Jersey, where approximately 11% of all
schoolchildren receive these services. It is unclear why these discrepancies exist. Also
puzzling are the categorical differences between states. For example, Iowa reports that
slightly more than 60% of its students who receive special education services have
learning disabilities, while Kentucky’s learning disability percentage, at 18%, is much
lower. Comparable inconsistencies exist in almost every special education category.
One potential reason for such variability in identification rates across states rests with
procedural differences. For example, in one state, students with language disorders
may have a greater likelihood to be assigned to the learning disabilities category, but
in another state they may be assigned to the category of speech/language impair-
ments. In addition, some states use broader definitions for certain disabilities, while
those of others are more restrictive. Indeed, such national variability, whereby a stu-
dent could be identified with a disability in one state but—if her parents re-locate—not
in another, challenges how we think about disability status.
Third, the data help us to identify whether some groups might be over-identified
as having a disability or might be over-represented in specific categories. You will learn
about the disproportionate representation of students from different racial/ethnic
groups in Chapter 3; for now, know that significant attention for the past two decades
has focused on reducing the over-identification of students from diverse backgrounds,
particularly in the intellectual disabilities and emotional and behavioral disorders
categories. That work is paying off. Proportionally, fewer Black and Latino students
are being misidentified as having disabilities, which in turn is reflected in a reduction
in the overall prevalence rate.
do not need special attention to achieve their potential, the facts tell a different story.
Some experts hypothesize that half of all gifted students underperform in school,
not living up to their talents or potential. And, those whose unique talents are evi-
dent early on often find themselves bored with the general education curriculum.
Even though they are highly intelligent, scoring in the top 3% to 5% of all children,
or show remarkable levels of other talents, they often flounder or don’t achieve to the
levels expected. They find themselves in what are now being called excellence gaps.
Such gaps occur when schools focus on low-achieving students, trying to close the
“achievement gap” or raise the academic performance of students who attend poor,
underperforming schools. This approach can result in ignoring the needs of gifted stu-
dents. Another group of gifted students who typically do not receive the attention
they require comprises gifted students with disabilities. Without special differentia-
tion, enrichment, or acceleration programs that challenge their unique abilities, they,
too, often underachieve. More information about their special circumstances is found
in the box Something to Think About: Twice Exceptional.
Sadly, gifted underachievers report that they find little value in their school expe-
riences and many drop out. Some estimates indicate that up to one-fourth of all high
school dropouts are gifted students. The results are tragic for the individuals involved
and their families. The missed potential and societal contributions can only be imag-
ined: the solution to climate change, a vaccine that prevents cancer, an exquisite song,
a striking mural, innovative water management techniques for drought-stricken areas,
or something so far beyond present understanding that we cannot even imagine it.
answer is a sad, and often horrific, “yes.” The history of disabilities docu-
ments the terrible treatment these individuals endured. A few examples
follow. During the Middle Ages, some little people (formerly called midg-
ets) were kept by the royal courts to serve and entertain as jesters; most,
however, were shunned and abandoned. In the eighteenth century, people
often left “defective” babies in the woods to die or placed them in bags and
threw them over bridges into rushing rivers. At various points in history,
many people held the misguided belief that society needed protection from
those with intellectual disabilities. Subsequently, these individuals were
locked away in institutions; sterilization was common practice to prevent
them from having children of their own. During World War II, the Nazis
sent people who were not deemed intellectually or physically perfect to con-
centration camps for extermination. Even people in positions of power, like
President Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR), sought to hide their disabilities
d Roberts, one of the founders of the
E
for fear they would be construed as signs of weakness. Films like Warm Springs, fea-
disability rights movement, protesting
for social justice for people with dis- tured in this chapter’s On the Screen, teach us important lessons from history, remind-
abilities in the 1960s. ing us how people with disabilities had to hide their challenges from the public.
Miracle Worker, and Born on the Fourth of July are just a few
notable examples of movies in which the key actor did not
have a disability but either was nominated for or won an
Academy Award for the portrayal. Lawrence Carter-Long,
an advocate with disabilities and an advisor to the Alliance
for Inclusion in the Arts, leads the call for actors with dis-
abilities to be cast in appropriate parts (similar to criticisms
of the past regarding the casting of White actors to play
American Indians). Results have been positive; the Screen
movie poster advertising the 1939
A
version of the movie, The Hunchback of
Actors Guild and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, two of the
Notre Dame, that depicted Quasimodo entertainment industry’s organizations for actors, have established a national commit-
as a frightening, sad, and isolated tee that advocates for increased opportunities for auditions and casting of performers
character who was condemned to live with disabilities.
in the church’s bell tower.
Author: A. L. O. E.
Language: English
BY
A. L. O. E.
LONDON:
AND EDINBURGH.
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER
I. SMALL LEAKS
BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS
CHAPTER I.
SMALL LEAKS.
Twice, the wind coming through the cottage door had sent
his paper fluttering to the ground. Ned had raised it, and
then tried to fix it by placing a pebble upon it, but the paper
had slipped from under the pebble as soon as the sailor had
begun to write.
"I'd rather wait till I've shot in my locker," said Ned. "The
poor lad's time is his money."
Ned had begun his letter, but he raised his head, and the
ink dried on his pen as he inquired, "Do you mean that he
helped himself to his master's wood, and used up the time
which belonged to his master, to make a chest for his
mother? And do you call him 'good' for this?"
"How can you ask such idle questions?" cried Bessy Peele,
in a tone of contempt. "Why, if Bill Jones did a thing like
that, he'd be clapped into jail directly."
"And are not the wood and the labour he pays for, as much
the carpenter's property, as the purse is Sir Lacy Barton's?
Is it not just as wrong to rob the one as the other?"
"Well," said Bessy, as she laid out some linen to iron, "I for
one will never believe that the great God above ever notices
such little matters as these you speak of."
"Maybe you'd have thought it a little matter for Eve to pluck
a fruit, but 'twas a matter that let in death and misery into
a world," said Ned. "The skipper of the first craft as ever I
sailed in, thought it a little matter when, one evening, our
vessel just touched on a rock, as he fancied; he smoked his
pipe, drank his grog, and turned into his cabin, and never
dreamed of the small leak down below, till he was wakened
in the morning with the cry of 'Three feet water in the hold!'
The vessel was as nigh lost as could be, with all the hands
on board. And 'tis so with our souls, Bessy Peele. The little
sins, as we call them, are the little leaks in the timber, and
if one goes to the bottom, 'tis all the same, whether the
water came in by a big hole or a small one."
Bessy banged down her hot iron on the shirt before her with
a noise and bustle which seemed to say, "I want no more of
this preaching."
Ned Franks quietly dipped his pen again and went on with
his letter.
"I thought Norah would have been here afore this," she
observed; "she generally manages to walk over early from
the town."
CHAPTER II.
THE LITTLE MAID.
NED and Norah very soon made friends with one another.
There was a cheerful kindliness about the maimed sailor,
that set the young girl at her ease.
Norah had indeed a sweet innocent face, but her dress was
not such as beseemed her station in life—it showed an
effort to look fine, which did not prevent it from looking
shabby. The gay-coloured dress was stuck out by a hoop;
the bonnet, which was rather an old one, was trimmed with
some large half-faded pink flowers. To the simple-minded
sailor it became the young maiden so ill that he was glad
when it was taken off, and Norah's neatly braided hair
appeared the sole ornament of her head.
But Mrs. Peele was not of the sailor's opinion. "My dear,
what pretty flowers!" she exclaimed, taking up the bonnet
in her hand, and turning it round to admire the trimming.
"Sophy Puller gave the flowers to me: was it not kind?" said
Norah. "And she gave me this too," she added, pulling out
of her dress a gaudy glass brooch, made to imitate
diamonds and rubies.
The parcel was carried to the window, and Ned Franks, who
had no curiosity to know its contents, sat down again to his
writing.
"Bessy," said the sailor, looking up with a smile, "if the lady
kindly sends you a present, don't you take it for better or
worse?"
"Sunken rocks!" thought he. "I must sound that poor simple
child as to how she came by that tea, if I chance to catch
her alone."
Dan Peele soon came home from the fields, and his sharp
cunning features were lighted up with such honest joy at
sight of his sister, that Ned Franks said to himself, "There's
a warm corner in the heart of that boy, I've judged the poor
fellow hardly."
"When, just waking from her nap, 'Norah,' says she, 'I'd like
to look at the plates.'"
"Oh, yes, history and travels; and then, you know, Sophy
Puller lends me books to read by myself."
"I very much doubt that such reading is good for our little
lass," observed he.
"It's a hard thing that she should keep you so tight, and not
let you have a bit of fun, when you're slaving all day," cried
Bessy.
"A hard thing is it," said Ned Franks, "that the lady won't let
your child go swimming amongst the sharks?"
"If I was you, Norah," cried Dan, "I'd slip off without leave
after the old dame was abed; you said she shut up soon
after eight."
"God help that poor child, she's beset with snares," thought
the one-armed sailor. "When she comes home she learns
nothing but dishonesty, covetousness, and untruth; at her
place there's an evil influence drawing her in like a whirlpool
to folly, and may be to worse. And she so simple and
artless. Simple and artless now, but if she have much to do
with that Sophy Puller, it is not long that she'll keep so. I
should like to drop in a word of warning, but I can't do it
here, as Bessy is always driving on the opposite tack."
"Norah," he said aloud, "will you let me walk back with you
in the evening?"
"I should be so glad to have you," cried the girl, "and then I
need not hurry back so early. Mistress told me unless my
brother or some one would see me home, I was not to stay
out after sunset."
"Oh, no, she's not cross," cried Norah. "My mistress is good,
very good; I never knew any one like her but Mr. Curtis, our
vicar, and my dear kind teacher at school."
"I don't know, I'm not quite sure of that," replied Norah, in
a hesitating tone. "I should like Mrs. Martin to see more
company, and to let me have a little more freedom, but she
does not keep me in out of crossness. If you only knew how
good she is to the poor, and how dearly she loves her Bible,
and how patient she is when in pain, and she suffers a
great, great deal, 'specially from her poor eyes, but she
never murmurs at all!" The girl's face kindled with emotion
as she spoke of her kind old mistress, and Ned watched it
with a feeling of pleasure, while his heart warmed towards
his young niece.
"MIND now that you manage to give the old woman the
slip, and have a jolly night of it with your friend Sophy
Puller—" such were the words with which Dan Peele parted
from his sister, as she set out with the sailor on her long
walk back to the county town in which her mistress resided.
It was a glorious evening. The sun had just stink below the
horizon, but lines of glowing fire showed where his orb had
dipped below the blue hills, and his beams had left a rich
rosy flush on the clouds that floated above.