Some Thoughts From a “Minority” Mother on Overrepresentation in Special Education

Abstract

In this article the author, a “minority” mother, shares her observations on a special education system that appears to provide significantly different opportunities to children depending on their socioeconomic status and racial group. Culling from her own experience in challenging the disability “diagnosis” of her son and his subsequent segregated placement, and the refusal of services she requested, the author speculates upon the rampant inequities that pervade special education practices. In response, the urges the need for a genuine dialogue with school personnel where race and socioeconomic status are not held against “minority” parents who seek a fair evaluation of their children and equal access to educational resources.