Nerg101

This may seem silly but how do they come up with the signs? Is there, like, a committee? I've always wondered.

Also, do you have a favorite sign? Yes they are hateful, but (to me) some of them can be pretty funny/clever.

I'm not OP but have strong opinions on mainstreaming v. special ed classes. First off, I am physically disabled. Because of my disability my growth is stunted (I have peaked at 4 ft 1), my legs are bowed, I have walked with a walker or a wheelchair my entire life, and other slight physical deformities. I do not have any intellectual disabilities. I have worked with kids with intellectual and physical disabilities with a variety of severeness for years and have taught leadership and independence classes for teenagers with disabilities.

Now I obviously don't know your daughter and don't know to the extent how 'different' she is, but if she is intellectually capable I 100% say mainstream her. Being put in 'normal' classes will teach your daughter how to be comfortable with other kids and with herself. Accepting yourself and building self confidence is incredibly difficult, and know to many adults with disabilities that never learned how to do this. Also, you don't want your daughter to get a mentality that she is different from people and must be kept separated.

Yes, sometimes kids can be DICKS. Some kids wont understand and maybe make fun of her. Teach your daughter how to respond in these situations. Teach her to explain the other kids that, yes, she does look different, but that's ok. Because we are all different and that is a good thing. But for every asshole kid there are other kids who are understanding and kind and will think your daughter is the shit.

I truly believe one of the biggest keys in a child with a disability growing up to be a strong, independent (or as independent as possible) adult is to stop keeping them isolated. Special ed classes have their merits, I am not denying that. I understand there necessity for kids with intellectual disabilities. But these kids rarely get to integrate with the rest of the school and I think it's a tragedy.

Obviously I am just a stranger on the internet. You'll have to assess your child's overall capabilities and make the decision that you think is best. If you do mainstream it can be difficult, and you and your daughter will meet obstacles, but it's worth it in the end.

I hope this helps at all. If you have any questions ever please feel free to PM me.

As a native Nashvillian this makes me happy