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In the United States, citizens are given the unalienable right to life, liberty, and the
pursuit of happiness. In America, we also
believe that all men (and women to be politically correct) are to have been created equal. Yet, in the imperfect world that
we live in, some are unfortunately born with disabilities. Others could have developed a disabilty due to an accident. Regardless
of how or why a child became disabled, it has become the responsibility of our society to assist a disabled person as best
we can. As Americans, we are more humane and empathetic than many previous civilizations that claimed illnesses and disabilities
were results of evil. Many civilizations banished “cripples” as outcasts never to live within its society, but
Americans and the rest of Western Civilization are continuing to do just the opposite. We try to accommodate the disabled
as much as possible in an attempt to fully integrate them into society. And, to best accomplish full integration, it begins
with special education. Students with disabilities can read, write, and participate in everyday activities just like
a non-disabled students. They might learn at a slower pace, but they deserve the right to a fair education with other "normal"
students. They should not be isolated because of a disability. Isolation only leads to poor social and communication skills.
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