This edited book reflects a much needed area of scholarship as the
voices of African American (AA) or Black students defined by various
labels such as learning disability, blindness/visual impairment,
cognitive development, speech or language impairment, and hearing
impairment are rare within the scholarly literature. Students tagged
with those identifiers within the Pk-20 academic system have not only
been ignored, and discounted, but have also had their learning framed
from a deficit perspective rather than a strength-based perspective.
Moreover, it was uncommon to hear first person narratives about how AA
students have understood their positions within the general education
and special education systems.
Therefore, with a pervasive lack of knowledge when it comes to
understanding the experiences of AA with disabilities, this book
describes personal experiences, and challenges the idea that AA students
with disabilities are substandard. While this book will emphasize
successful narratives, it will also provide counter-narratives to
demystify the myth that those with disabilities cannot succeed or obtain
terminal degrees. Overall, this edited book is a much needed
contribution to the scholarly literature and may help teachers across a
wide array of academic disciplines in meeting the academic and social
needs of AA students with disabilities.
ENDORSEMENTS:
Dr. Shawn Robinson's collection of personal narratives raises critical
questions about the U. S. public education system. Written by African
Americans compartmentalized in special education programs because of
actual or perceived disabilities, these stories will impel readers even
tangentially affiliated with educational institutions to consider
testing, placement, mainstreaming, retention and promotion, and other
assessment policies that determine grade-level readiness. Thanks to
Robinson, the perspectives of these graduates who surmounted barriers to
more positive and accommodating learning environments now receive proper
attention.
John Pruitt, University of Wisconsin-Rock County
