BIERDZ.ORG
Bierdz provides an alternative to the long standing traditional
views of special education. Readers should know that Bierdz’s writing contains
doses of comedy and wit and are intended for immature audiences (“Immature”
refers to those ready to challenge and change mainstream thought)
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LEGAL NOTICE: All items on this website are the intellectual
property of Thomas J. Bierdz
(“Bierdz”) and are not to be used by public or private institutions without
Bierdz’s written and notarized permission.
Contact Bierdz at counseling@sbcglobal.net |
Student Resources Materials for students in courses in which Bierdz serves
as teacher.
Articles
The Power of Models
Abstract: The human services fields: teachers,
counselors, social workers, psychologists, speech/language therapists,
occupational and physical therapists, and so on are based on models. Models are
tools that inform one’s view of reality, and are used to identify a problem’s
causes and develop solutions. In special education, and psychology, the most
common model in use is one in which a “norm” is established and those outside
of the norm are labeled “disabled” and are viewed as diseased with problems
being attributed to one’s disability. This document presents alternative models
and advocates for service providers to be consciously aware of the models they
use in their moment to moment practice.
“Special Needs” A Term Promoting
Segregation and Discrimination Abstract: This article is for consciousness
raising and for challenging conceptions concerning the socially created
construct of disability. To this end let us examine the label “special needs”
to consider how it promotes dehumanization, discrimination, and segregation; as
these practices are eminently contrary to inclusive and multicultural values.
This site is a work in progress with
updates appearing frequently. The author of this site has worked as a
university professor of special education since 2003, as a special education
teacher, as a special education advocate and advisor in the USA and China, and
has personally endured special education as a student in grades 3–12 in the
public school system. Materials on this webpage are unique and do not reflect the
current thinking in the field of special education: which Bierdz rejects.