When looking at criteria to indicate whether a student has a disability, there is one framework that utilizes the concepts of (a) deficit perspective (b) cultural perspective (c) sociological perspective, and (d) people with disabilities as members of a minority group. Select one (1) perspective and summarize the behaviors and beliefs.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Ans: Answers may vary but should include the following: Deficit perspective indicates that students are looked at on a “curve” and in the middle of that “curve” are the typical learners whose behaviors represent the average students. Cultural perspective represents the diversity of the nation and the fact that not every culture sees disability in the same way. Sociological perspective refers to how people treat one another and how that unfolds into who is determined to be different and therefore have a disability. People with disabilities as members of a minority group focuses on the notion that when a student is labeled with a disability, they are then determined to have a “handicap,” which presents challenges and barriers indicating being a member of a “minority” within the population.