According to recent data from the National Center for Education Statistics, roughly 14% of public school students in the U.S. are labeled as having some type of disability, including learning disabilities, speech and language impairments, or autism.
Labels can serve as a way to ensure that a child with special needs gets the resources they need. But for Fort Collins author Deborah Winking, labels can also create expectations that limit a child’s development.
Early in her career as an educator, Winking taught children with autism at the New England Center for Autism.
“Through it all, I kind of saw how the emphasis on labeling, and the misuse of diagnostic testing, really got in the way of opportunities for my students,” she said.
In her new book, Capable: A Story of Triumph for Children the World has Judged as “Different,” Winking shares her own deeply personal story of raising a child with special needs.
Deborah Winking joins Colorado Edition to discuss the book and her work with other parents to help their children succeed, regardless of the challenges they face.
Colorado Edition is hosted by Erin O'Toole (@ErinOtoole1) and edited by Henry Zimmerman (@kombuchacowboy). Our production team includes Tess Novotny (@tess_novotny). KUNC news director Brian Larson is our executive producer. Web was edited by digital editor Jackie Hai.
The mission of Colorado Edition is to deepen understanding of life in Northern Colorado through authentic conversation and storytelling. It's available as a podcast on iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts.
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Our theme music was composed by Colorado musicians Briana Harris and Johnny Burroughs. Other music in the show by Blue Dot Sessions.
