By HEATHER BAKER
baker@du2.byu.edu
In years past people with disabilities weren't understood. In some cultures they were revered as the Gods, while in others they were feared. But today, more opportunities than ever before are being given to those with disabilities.
Cregg Ingram, a professor of Counseling and Special Education at BYU, said opportunities for disabled people have broadened and the focus is now on education and integration.
He said some of us still have our fears because we don't understand some disabilities, but we have 'a greater feeling of community and integration.'
Ingram said those who participate in the Special Olympics now, for example, would've been in a state institution in the 1950's, 60's and 70's, and not been able to participate. But he said those institutions are becoming obsolete.
'We don't know what someone's potential can be, and to eliminate any part of society might be detrimental.' Ingram said.
In his own opinion he thinks America is more of the trend-setter for integration, and a melting pot of ideas and intellects.
Organizations like Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA), and American Disabilities Act (ADEA), provide opportunities for education and integration.
Every ramp and automatic door in the community and on school campus' have been put there because of ADEA.
Disabled children are allowed to be part of elementary, middle and high schools because of IDEA.
Ingram said the purpose of some IDEA laws are to guarentee free and appropriate integration into public schools for disabled children. And to insure that children with disabilities have the same opportunity as others. The programs are offered from birth to 21 years old.
For more information on IDEA and ADEA see http://www.monitoring.sdl.usu.edu/idea97.htm, or http://www.ed.gov/offices/OSERS/OSEP.
Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) is an organization on BYU campus with programs to help disabled students.
Some accommodations offered by SSD are: live readers, note takers, test scribes/proctors and typists. They also have support groups, counseling and advising, and campus travel assistance.
These and other opportunities allow students to volunteer and become part of the integration and education goal for disabled students.