Assignment task:
Respond to the discussion below in at least 400 words and include at least one current scholarly source. I must reference in-text and at the end so please include those.
Discussion Question:
As you reflect on the history of special education, it is difficult to imagine that such conditions existed in the United States during the 1960s as those photographed in Christmas in Purgatory: A Photographic Essay on Mental Retardation.
Philosopher George Santayana made an excellent point when writing the following words: "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." As a society, we must remember the past in order to enact change in the future.
The past is full of examples of people who made mistakes similar to the mistakes of their ancestors, and often they suffered similar consequences. Such tragedies are heartbreaking because they are preventable.
Look ahead to the future of special education. Consider what special education will look like in 5, 10, and 20 years from now. Based on this week's readings and presentations, are they any examples that give concern that history could repeat itself? How do we, as a society, ensure that we do not repeat the past in our treatment of individuals with disabilities?
Feel free to include a Bible verse or link to a video to support your statements.