I attended my first program-specific courses today at college and met the most ignorant teacher. She seems to view people with disabilities as non-human by the way she was discussing "them" during a lecture about ethics. I first thought she was speaking that way on purpose to demonstrate an ethical dilemma, but as the class went on it became apparent that she is just plain ignorant. An example, "It's amazing how they can figure out what time it is even when they don't even have a clock, if you're 10 minutes late they get upset and act manic." She was referring to a woman she had worked with in a group home that spends the day locked in her "apartment". I suppose I would get upset too if I spent the day locked in a room with everything bolted to the floor and then the person who is supposed to take me outside for a little while is late. That sounds like a terrible life. There were many other similar comments that dehumanized people with disabilities during the class as well. I just don't understand how this woman is allowed to teach at this college and spread her ignorant views all over the students. It is disgusting. I didn't end up having to bite my tongue because I was left speechless. Next time I won't be so shocked and I am not sure if I'll be able to speak rationally and professionally to her if her ignorance continues. I am just flabbergasted. I think I've made a terrible mistake entering this program. I just feel angry and disgusted that this woman is teaching at all, but especially in this program. She is a nurse that works in a group home part time for heaven's sake, how can she be so ignorant?! How do I even make myself attend her classes? How do I keep myself from yelling at her? I'm going to talk to my disability specialist about the situation when I see her next, but I'm sure they are aware of her "teaching style" and "opinions" as she has worked there for years. My mind is full of thoughts of complaints, confrontations, protests... Just, how does she work there?!
06 Sep 2012, 6:01 pm
