Dr. Tiegerman Speaks

                                                      Who We Are 

Over the years the opportunities for individuals with disabilities to live and work in community environments has increased. Public awareness has also been enhanced by parents’ organizations and family stories about children with disabilities. But this was not always the case and we must never forget where we started and how far we have come as a society. In 1955, when I was growing up there were no special education services or programs in most schools throughout the United States. So what did you do? If you were a parent with financial resources, you could hire private teachers and therapists. If you were poor, there were state institutions; some good and some terrible.

We have created inroads and opportunities for individuals with disabilities in places that no one could have imagined in the 1950s. It took until 1975 for the Congress to pass a comprehensive landmark bill, the Education for All Handicapped Children’s Act: Public Law 94-142. This bill revolutionized educational services for children with disabilities to receive services in public schools at no cost to parents. This law also set the stage for parents and disability organizations to advocate for early intervention services. It took until 1986 for the Federal law to be amended to include services for infants and preschoolers. Finally, children with disabilities could receive services without a gap from birth to 21 years.

Since 1975, there has been a growing sensitivity to diversity differences which has encouraged businesses to make modifications in work sites, buildings and settings to accommodate someone with a disability. Think about curb-cuts, elevators and handicapped bathrooms.  They were not mandated in the 1950’s.  This is a tremendous step forward. From nothing in 1975 to the incredible opportunities now is just amazing. But for most readers, you were not around in the 1950’s and do not remember the way it was. Everywhere you look you see individuals with disabilities who have hearing impairments, blindness, autism and mental retardation. This diversity has added to the creativity, strength and morality of our society. It has been a long road and a very difficult struggle but it has been worth it. We have done the right thing by providing for the education of each and every child. We have shown our greatness by demanding that our entire nation change its views and perspectives on individuals with disabilities in a time frame of just years.

This law has changed America as no other law has. We have said as a nation that we love and cherish our children - each and everyone. We have said that differences do not define us as individuals. We have put our money “where our mouths are,” thank God. And, given every American child an opportunity to contribute and succeed to reach his dream.  Can you imagine what Helen Keller’s contributions would have been?  She would have had a network of friends and job choices.  She would have been able to make greater contributions to society because she would have been given greater educational opportunities.  Who says we are not the greatest country in the world?  If anyone does, send them to me.

Ellenmorris Tiegerman, Ph.D.

Founder and Executive Director

School for Language and

Communication Development