The truth about special education | Suzanne Carrington | TEDxYouth@GrahamSt

Self-locking doors and 2-metre high fences in the name of special education? Professor Suzanne Carrington shares her experiences of teaching children in local special schools, and offers insight on the benefits of inclusive education. Suzanne is a Professor in Education, QUT Australia. Suzanne’s areas of expertise are in inclusive education, ethical leadership for inclusive schools, disability and teacher preparation for inclusive schools. She has engaged in research with industry collaboration to inform policy and practice in Australian and international education contexts. With her research colleagues, she has received over 4 million dollars in research funding. She has published over 100 journal publications, books, book chapters and research reports. She is currently the Program Director of the School Years Program for The Cooperative Research Centre for Living with Autism (Autism CRC). www.autismcrc.com.au/. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

[@mikegrazick1795]

Special education in the US failed me in my elementary school years. 6th grade was the last year. I went to private school from there on out to high school graduation. Had I stayed in Special education in the public school system, I would have been placed into the full time isolated group, and received a certificate of completion after 12th grade. Not even a dam diploma. I would had to go off to a GED program to finish that. There is nothing special about special education.

[@sunflowerfoxs]

True I'm putting my heart and soul into getting out, but in the end it comes down to my parents

[@suzannecarrington7595]

Thanks for sharing your story Mike and I hope you are doing well now, Suzanne

[@mikegrazick1795]

@@suzannecarrington7595 I am stage 4 kidney disease, 22 percent and looking for a living donor. I am actively applying to graphics jobs in my area. I am readycto go back to work, and make the most of it, provided most is there for it to be used.

[@e.moonbound2420]

May I ask, what is a "full time isolated group"?

[@thesonofthree5528]

@@e.moonbound2420 that group basically gets isolated from all other students on campus for 100 percent of the time and never gets to interact with them

[@Gnomezonbacon]

I have autism. I'm a very capable computer engineer in charge of managing the networks of 60 different companies at once. I was also in special ed, under educated, drugged, and abused in the special ed / mental health system. Treated like a moron. You have no idea how angry I am about that. You have no idea how proud I am of myself for having had the courage to fight my way past EVERYONE AROUND ME. My parents! The schools! The doctors! The church I grew up in! ALL OF THEM! Were in my way and NONE of them bar my path anymore. WHY?! Because I MADE THEM MOVE! Ignored everything they said, and in some cases, openly defied the rules. I weazeled my way in the back door into the hardest class in school. Everyone said I couldn't do it. Everyone shut up 2 weeks later. I aced the hardest class in school. My church said thank god. My sped teachers patted themselves on the back. I said "THANKS TO ME! You all stood in my way and I overcame despite you."

[@Crayolapup]

When I was a kid, them wanting to place me in SPED hurt me. & nobody bothered to listen. My history with SPED dictates my sense of self worth and makes me doubt my capabilities. I asked a few other former SPED kids how they felt. Being there made them feel suicidal.

[@sunflowerfoxs]

I feel like I have trauma from SPED classes

[@suzannecarrington7595]

Oh that is sad Eureka. I am glad you viewed my talk and I am hoping that it raises awareness about inclusive education

[@suzannecarrington7595]

@@sunflowerfoxs Sorry to hear that news. Thanks for viewing my talk.

[@jessicalupo4120]

I agree W/U. I hate SPED. It’s a waste of time, and I don’t like how they R treated. I resent that, I wish those people that teaches special education will be put out of business!

[@kikidee857]

I’m so sorry you felt that way. Kids wanted to come into my classroom. Some passed state tests when “norms” (whatever THAT is) didn’t. Every kid has talent and strengths. Your teachers should have helped you know that.

[@jack-gn4yl]

I dont want to vent too much, but I have extensive trauma from being in special education in the early 2000s to 2010s. I had to be placed in sped because of my autism diagnosis as a young child. We were always small classes of usually 3-6 students max, completely segregated from the "gen ed" students, and prevented from taking certain classes. (eg history, science, art, home ec, woodshop, field trips, etc.) It has deeply traumatized me and i'm currently in therapy grappling with the long term effects from the abuse of the teachers and assistants. I know i'm not alone either. Watching this video and hearing she worked in sped triggered me and I was reluctant to trust her take because of my experience with caretakers. I'm 22 years old now, thats how deeply that has affected my psyche. Thank you so much for talking about this ❤

[@railfanninginohiowithjessi9844]

I fell you my friend

[@linkinparkmn7099]

I feel the exact same way. Diagnosed with Autism and ADHD at age 4. I was placed in Special Education. Successfully got out two years and am now in almost all honors classes.

[@aad7118]

Same! I feel you!!!! 🫂

[@djsdesignsandcustoms4779]

Just because you’re autistic that doesn’t mean you have to be in SPED . It doesn’t make sense you there to go to school and get your education, but I felt the same too.

[@destinynoir2004]

Oh my gosh I'm so sorry you went through that trauma. I had gone through the similar situation where I was completely taken out of classes due to special needs programs. My EA/TA Lorelei would keep pulling me out of classes after our lesson I never have time to socialize with people around my age even after I completed my assignment. When I told her I wanted to be an actress she said, "You shouldn't be an actress! You should be a librarian instead!" She also defended my bullies even after she saw them bullying me. This went on four years before I almost went into a broken state. I told my mom what happened and how I almost attempted to take my life many times because of it she was shocked after she learned about this. My mom went to the resource center she talk to the teacher in charge and discussed about what was really happening to me in high school. Long story short, Lorelei never returned back as my EA but still worked in the resource center, she never encouraged my bullies again and I managed to graduated from high school which is already ten years ago. I'm learning how to trust people again and not let my past to come back to haunt me again. Anyways I hope you get in good recovery in therapy. Time will heal and I know you will make it through.

[@sunflowerfoxs]

This lady is so right. Lately I've been studying into special education because my mom put me in there. I need some sort of way to make my opinions public, but I can't just do it on KZbin or tiktok because it always gets 2 views. I feel like Ted talk is a good way to spread awareness

[@suzannecarrington7595]

Great Sunflower fox! There are lots of good comments here

[@sharonjensen3016]

My father hadn't wanted me to go to "the special school" but another woman with a special needs daughter talked my mother into it (Dad's view). My mother's view is that others, including "medical professionals" (there's a red flag) said it was a good idea. So who's right?

[@Gimmyruinslives]

​@@sharonjensen3016 did you even watch the video? It literally said that calling disabled people special needs is discriminatory and non-inclusive

[@jackuk2700]

@@GimmyruinslivesAs a person who goes to a special needs school, no, speak for yourself. Perhaps it’s just the way I was raised but it’s actually the opposite to me. Being called disabled is highly offensive to me and being called special needs is totally normal. All depends on your perspective - just don’t police other’s speech about it. Everyone has their preference but at the end of the day, it doesn’t really matter. They all mean the same thing fundamentally.

[@Gimmyruinslives]

@@jackuk2700 call your mental health disorder what it is, not disability or special needs, call it what it's called

[@hellofanner]

I visit the special education classroom three times a week, and I feel a little bad for them. I’m autistic but was never put into the class. Although the kids are being taught about being somewhat independent after high school, they still have low levels of education. I think that special ed should be a class that only takes up one period/portion of the student’s day to help other students with things like social skills, overstimulating, skills they struggle with in general, etc. It feels like others treat them differently too. They think “They have a disability we need to treat them above others.” but it really should be “They have a disability we should treat them how we would others, but keep their boundaries in mind.” Sorry about my little rant. I love them to bits and pieces, but I don’t want them to be dehumanized.

[@Gimmyruinslives]

Agreed

[@suzannecarrington7595]

We can provide support & resources & utilise special education teachers in regular schools if we develop more inclusive culture, policy & practice. Inclusion is good for everyone- Suzanne

[@ravensnation52]

I swear it sucks to be in special education all my life they don't prepare you for a higher education or etc right now I'm aiming to get a Education and to better myself. Graduating with a iep diploma it's not good for a college education it sucks

[@Beautyglambybre]

Right I hate special education it ruined my self esteem and self worth

[@TRAINWORKS-ie2dm]

@@BeautyglambybreI hate it too

[@emmamcbain9740]

Thank you for sharing your journey so openly and honestly and highlighting the importance of what we do!

[@suzannecarrington7595]

Thanks Emma. We all need to work together for change.

[@sharonjensen3016]

Change comes too many years too late in my book. By the time change is implemented, many of those who needed help are dead, usually because of an authority figure or family member.

[@BinodBasnet007]

Inspirational Dr. Carrington. Thank you for all the efforts you put in to break the 'fence'.

[@Sirhc2023]

I've been in special education classes from elementary til I graduated high school.

[@year-around12345]

I've been in special education since elementary school all the way until I graduated high school because my teachers and parents told me I had seizures and epilepsy

[@Destiny-we9gj]

Because of this speech, I revoked consent for the school’s evaluation. He’s been struggling adjusting to KINDERGARDEN and was very overwhelmed by the structure and his peers rejected him. Because of that, he became disengaged and started struggling with communicated etc. Instead of taking the time to nurture his needs and give him one on one attention to address the issues, they’re trying to label him autistic instead. He does show signs of adhd but nearly no autistic signs. Despite being up to standards academically, they’re trying to diagnose him special needs rather than address the social issues caused by the ostracized dynamic he now has around his peers.

[@juliafraa6419]

Consider getting just a speech evaluation

[@user-df8jv4ye1v]

They put me in special education because my eyes are crossed eyes and I could be able to speak to people😊

[@stephanievillarreal5298]

I am struggling with this mindset. When general education children in kinder are afraid of their special education friends to the point of stress makes me wonder what these studies are missing. Is there a study about general education students who struggle daily with dealing with the anger outburst. The frequent hitting, yelling, and biting. Where are the Gen Ed students rights during this? I love and accept all special needs students. However, I have just as much responsibility toward my General Ed studies. When one student is taking away learning from an entire classroom, I believe this is a tragedy also!

[@bubbles556]

Perhaps it's a little of both, I think some students do need a different classroom but I also think much of it is our own internal bias. I'm becoming a sped teacher who grew up in a sped program and it's did hardening because many departments fail due to rules and regulations the state, district put in place or just internal bias treating people differently. California is teaching ethnic studies curriculum to help gian better understanding of each other but I think this also has to be expanded towards neurodivergent people. That won't be a solution but I think it's part of addressing the problem.

[@teacharoli]

OMG! I'm so lucky I've found this video! Thanks for sharing your experiences, Suzanne.😍

[@suzannecarrington7595]

Thank you - glad you found it useful

[@amandagomes367]

I am a Brazilian teacher and work at a public school. I want to learn more about special education practices around the world, because the way the government deals with it here in my country is really sad for the student with disabilities, for the teacher, for the other students and for all the community. Your video was very inspiring. Thanks for sharing your experience.

[@mariagoldman4109]

Many children hate being in special education. I know of a child who has adhd combined and has a lower iq but yet still gets good testing grades and the special education department discourages the parents from putting the child in inclusion class. The child’s is humiliated by being in special Ed. What would you recommend they do and as a community how can we advocate for our children to be placed in these types of classes instead of special education classrooms full of bad behaviors?

[@Beautyglambybre]

I HATE SPECIAL EDUCATION IT RUINED MY SELF ESTEEM IT GIVE ME TRAUMA

[@MintyVL]

We need more para educators, instructional assistants and teacher aids. They need the extra support in classes but there is none available. From a cost perspective it’s simpler to shove all the higher needs students in a classroom with a quarter the staff needed. :/

[@gircakes2]

Get him a 504 plan.

[@MamaBearGamble]

This was very enjoyable and helped me to understand better as well.

[@teachingthepetites4614]

We have come a long way in sped since the 70's. However, I don't think we're there yet. To add to what you said about students with special needs, I think students with disabilities doesn't sound that good either. How about we just call them unique? The ones that change our lives. More than we could ever change theirs.

[@suzannecarrington7595]

Interesting point! The people that I am in contact with are fine with students with disability but we need to be respectful and ask I suggest.

[@elizabethdunne8156]

Great speech & this concept would suit some SN students but it depends on the needs, capacity & choice of the student. Some may prefer the SN school option where the curriculum & supports on site are fully catered to their needs, something that mainstream schools may not have.

[@user-gn2xi2lp5p]

iam ex sped student she is right every student in my high school we are treated like pows

[@railfanninginohiowithjessi9844]

I fell you

[@bumijaya3303]

Thank you

[@roses8037]

I just said this the other day, after I had an IEP meeting with my sons special ed teacher, therapists and school psychologist, he’s communicating more and using more words but is having a hard time focusing and learning to pay attention to a story from a book, writing and mathematics. He still struggles to express himself alot of the times. I still guide him and word out how and why he feels the he feels. It was very upsetting to know this even though I already knew this, I couldn’t help but feel that being in a contained classroom is affecting him a lot as he isn’t seeing how other children are and can’t interact with them because of their separation in lunch and recess periods. His whole classroom has children from different grades from K-3rd grade I couldn’t help but think that alone may be hindering their ability to improve in their social communication skills , as well as emotional skills. My son is in 1st grade I don’t ever want to put him on medication and never will. This last IEP meeting had me feeling very disappointed and at the same time confused. I would like to move him schools and would like him to attend a better quality school where he can get a more quality education. I have hope for him and I will never lose hope, I will continue to find what it is he needs and continue to help him at home any way I can. Another is how can we advocate for the children with learning disabilities? Where can we start? Thank you Suzanne Carrington for this very informative, amazing speech, as this puts into more perspective what I was feeling and gives me the courage to seek out better education inclusion for my son.

[@railfanninginohiowithjessi9844]

hi I was actually in special education most of my years in the public schools. When I was in 8th grade in the middle school my gym teacher had a talk with my parents about my good performance in running and suggested that I should go out for the track team so I actually did and it helped me out a lot being mix with regular students through my high school and helped me Hurdled around the special education and stood up for what I believe especially standing my ground not going through there senior plus program for another year of schooling and they even told my parents I would never hold down a real job! which i did not go through it. And I am one of the living proofs that I am 100 percent all independent I really think track & Cross-country helped me out a whole lot. So please do not let them drag down your child as no body and if you think they can make it in the real world remove them from the classes and home school them

[@gircakes2]

Here's my suggestion from experience, switch out his IEP for a 504 plan. 504 plans allow for some extra accommodations, but they wont put him in a separate class from the rest of his grade. Surrounded him with kids who perform at grade level and he will more likely catch up, and the 504 plan will ensure he still has a safety net in the form of letting him take tests in a quiet room, providing him with equipment like a computer if it helps him, and allowing him to request extra time to complete assignments if necessary.

[@suzannecarrington7595]

Thank you for your comments. I am pleased that my story prompted you to consider future education choices- good luck!

[@Essenceofbeauty-]

From what I have seen the fence and door locks are there to protect the child. They will run off. As many as can safely be included should. Some have extreme behavior issues.

[@NEPatsfanclub]

Hello, I’m from Massachusetts 42 years old I started school before everyone that I knew I have a lot to say I just got out of Mental health unit and I lernd a lot abut my self I want to share my story with someone but I don’t know who to turn to. Thanks ❤

[@angelic1227]

Honestly the Speical ed courses don’t help me imo, I wanted to do a tech course and I was forced to take this course instead….. I didn’t need any of that in the first place 😒. Now my parents are mad that I canceled the speical ed course without letting them know. When I had it, I find it so insulting how teachers go like “let me know if you need extra help” like as if I don’t know how to add in math in the first place 💀 and my friends are like “ohhh yeahhh your a special ed student” when I didn’t get a good score once. I don’t understand why my parents made me do that course just because I read slower, my overall grade is great!!

[@gircakes2]

I remember if someone had an IEP in my middle school, they were forced to take a "study skills" class instead of a second elective like tech ed. It was basically a special ed/study hall hybrid. That's when I decided to switch from having an IEP to a 504 plan so that I could take a second elective of my choosing.

[@joshtroy344]

Special education should be minimized. I understand if someone is severely mentally handicapped or legitimately cannot function. Those extreme cases I understand. I feel bad for those kids, but I understand they'll probably need to be taken care of for the rest of their lives. I can only hope those who take care of them do so with compassion. However, the vast majority of kids in special education do not belong there. Many kids in special education are marginalized when they're as good and capable as anyone. Other kids have issues that special education does not address. If a child has a low attention span, teach learning techniques to beat that very correctable issue. Don't make the child feel very low by putting him or her in special education without correcting the problem. Most of the time, when a child supposedly has a behavioral problem, he or she is just unique. Instead of trying to fix the child, encourage the uniqueness. Help children be their best selves. We all have strengths and weaknesses. If schools looked at each student indicated and tried to correct those weaknesses, we'd be so much better off. Special education has a "one size fits all" approach and doesn't address any real problems. Issues children have can be corrected. Special education is not the way to do it. Special education as it is must go!!!!! Special education must be minimized!!!!!!

[@BriceBettner]

It should be optimized, not minimized.

[@aaasss1908]

Well said . And spot on .

[@suzannecarrington7595]

Thank you for watching

[@brittsmoothD]

I felt like My parents and Special education failed me for not teaching us the way we learned & putting a label on us by been mild dyslexia I felt like those class held you back they didn't challenge you because they didn't want us to be ahead of different nationality those classes has traumatized me.....

[@kathythureen9341]

I HATED BEING IN SPECIAL EDUCATION LI EVERYTHING.

[@gaminglizard2931]

im special needs, i absolutely agree with this.

[@pawzies_xx]

same

[@jeannieingraham]

I am a Special needs kid and when i was at a school they just did teach me well like try to but than they give up on me and now im homeschool and i learned Elementary school in 2 years by my mom so this is kinda saying that homeschooled maybe a good Option

[@jeannieingraham]

Oh and they did not teach me the alphabet

[@jeannieingraham]

So this is why they should Put effort into teaching special needs kids like come dude you cant give up on them

[@jeannieingraham]

There mom or dad is paying its like scamming if they dont

[@Beautyglambybre]

I wish I was homeschooled I hate special education

[@taygarrad]

This talk is inspirational but it does have caveats. We currently do not have appropriate funding and resources within schools to support students of greater diversity and disability in ways that meet their unique needs. There is no doubt as to the benefits and need for inclusive schools to ensure an inclusive society and improve lifelong outcomes for all. What is in doubt is that we have the appropriate infrastructure to affect real change. I believe there are many students in segregated education that should not be there. However, where students with complex needs benefit from specific purpose schooling, we also need to ensure we do not remove that choice for individuals and their families. Campaigning for better funding and staffing is essential for us to meet these objectives in Australian education to stop ineffective and outdated segregation approaches in our schools. And if funding is channeled effectively, we should also see a rise in service availability through schools (such as speech therapy and occupational therapy), diminishing the need for specific purpose schools in the future.

[@samuelobazee4735]

Very interesting and informative.

[@suzannecarrington7595]

Thank you Samuel

[@JerryDowst]

You can't have it both ways. Nowadays it seems like more and more students have IEP's and 504's, which legally afford them special educational services. You can't then turn around and say include them with mainstream students who are expected to complete a more rigorous academic program. Which way do you want it?

[@jadecox9333]

What exactly is the problem? A student who has a disability may need more support than others in a mainstream setting, they will need that support wherever they are though. They will not be receiving grades they haven't achieved

[@gircakes2]

504 plans don't put you into a seperate special ed class.

[@Person-ef4xj]

I was diagnosed with Autism as a child, and was put in special education at a young age, and I feel that I had better social skills before being put into special education than after even if not on the same level as non Autistic children as I feel that being around and copying other children helped me with social skills some even if I was still Autistic. I think roleplaying things like how to interact can also help with social skills but it’s not a substitute for being around non Autistic people and should only be used in addition to being around non Autistic children and not instead of being around non Autistic children. Also I feel that some, but not all, special ed teachers I had really had no business being special ed teachers or even teachers at all as some of how they treated us would be legalized abuse. Also I think the way the education system is set up isn’t very good even for neurologicals, as it requires students to sit still, which is not very good for learning, and uses coercion in the form of grades to try to get students to learn instead of natural curiosity, and special education doesn’t address any of these general problems.

[@Shannonbarnesdr1]

i agree but i also disagree, because one size does not fit all !

[@suzannecarrington7595]

Inclusion isn’t about 1 size fits all. It is about equity - supporting diversity of needs

[@kikidee857]

Not everyone thrives in inclusion. It depends upon who is assisting in the classroom. Most of the time, it’s ineffective. If you think other kids don’t know who needs assistance in the classroom, you’re quite obtuse.

[@whenindoubtmutemyownmouth5180]

Sometimes the kids get aides when they don't need them too, causing a relationship based on resentment.

[@ezzyleerock2009]

You can’t just segregate people because they have a disability there needs to be a better system though certain people who can’t take care of themselves at all can be in separate classes because it’s too hard for the to do anything

[@ranasohail9488]

No not at all please they are kept with the respect yet not allowed to go where ever they want!

[@user-uh6ed6ck6g]

May YHWH avenge us. ☝🏽

[@northshorelight35]

Just stop. The other students still avoid special ed students. Special ed students feel even more excluded because they can’t catch up. As a teacher at a charter school I see this all the time. I also have a daughter with a learning disability.

[@franknunez7974]

Special Ed those it work

[@Yo_mom5731]

?

[@KawaiiKemono]

??

[@user-df8jv4ye1v]

What?

[@abdulrahmanghourabi2515]

lol

[@abdulrahmanghourabi2515]

let me work with u

[@jessicalupo4120]

This lady talks about them, like it’s their fault. Yeah, they don’t want them around, not only because of their behavior problem. Because they R different from others. It’s no excuse for that. To outcast them into a trailer, by the school buildings where regular students go. Like they were treated like Royalty. Do they think regular students have better brains, & don’t have criminal minds? Whether students W/learning disabilities or not, any one can become future criminals. There R some students that R extremely smart. Instead of them using their talent for good, they use it to commit crimes. What a waste of gift. Especially W/Technology that they have now. That’s right, use it to commit crimes & do harm to others. That lady better think twice, than puttin others down. What I hate, there R some of them that were bullied. Nothin was never done about it. They get away W/it. Cause some of those so called teachers, either they don’t care, or have favoritism on some students. Things like that happened before. Even principals have no heart. It doesn’t matter. Like some people say, the world is corrupted. We R livin in the last years on earth, we don’t know when it ends. People who mistreats others, they have to answer to God.

[@israelgomez695]

This was my experience. Horrible. I’m still making myself a better person with confidence and self love from all the trauma I received from being in special education

[@TheNdh00]

Ever Child isn’t smart . We going have to accept that.

[@zBPS]

based off your grammar, you aren’t one of them.

[@roses8037]

This is very offensive. And you are sadly mistaking and confused. Just because a child learns differently from others doesn’t mean they’re not smart. In fact some of your most genius inventors in history, had a learning disability and didn’t do very good in school more than you know had autístic characteristics and symptoms. Go figure 👍🏼

[@year-around12345]

holding a child against their will and not giving them equal education when the ask for it shouldn't be allowed

[@KawaiiKemono]

Wow, offensive much?

[@bainysuri18]

I don’t want inclusion for my child. Sorry the works isn’t ready. If you are the parent you should choose. I have my child at a separated school it’s amazing. Look at Camphill schools. It’s absurd to think special needs kids would get included. They could walking down the hall as inclusive time.

[@raykelly4593]

Your wrong, children with ASD need locked doors keep them safe! They run away!!!!

[@Adinadeshpande1734]

I’m highly offended by this comment.

[@ngawikishortland-paraha8727]

Yup, if it wasn't for the locked spaces some of our kids could be dead or severely injured

[@railfanninginohiowithjessi9844]

I was in special education my self and did cross country running and i tell the truth if they ever did that to me i would plot my run away when i got the chance.

[@gircakes2]

Not all of them bolt.

[@clumsyyjess]

My teacher locks me in the classroom. I’m scared of teachers.

[@user-kp8qh8xv1y]

I HATED BEING IN SPECIAL EDUCATION LI EVERYTHING.