Absurdities and Realities of Special Education
Collection Overview
Absurdities and Realities of Special Education: The University of Vermont Center for Digital Initiatives Collection is a complete set of all of the cartoons created by Michael Giangreco with the assistance of the artist Kevin Ruelle. This includes...
Show moreAbsurdities and Realities of Special Education: The University of Vermont Center for Digital Initiatives Collection is a complete set of all of the cartoons created by Michael Giangreco with the assistance of the artist Kevin Ruelle. This includes a total of 335 cartoons from four previously published books and searchable CD that went "out of print" in 2019 and a few newer cartoons. Michael Giangreco created the original ideas, text, and sketches for each cartoon and Kevin Ruelle redrew the sketches.
The cartoons in the first three books all were originally in black and white. That was a conscious decision, both for aesthetic and practical reasons. The cartoons were designed to be easily copied on to overhead transparencies for display in classes, workshops, and other learning environments. A group called Alliance for Inclusive Education (ALLFIE) requested permission to use one of the cartoons on the cover of their magazine and subsequently colorized it. Prompted by Giangreco’s colleagues associated with ALLFIE, Giangreco and Ruelle began to colorize the rest of the images. In this complete digital collection, we have included a total of 335 different digital images; including the 315 different cartoons from the four earlier books, 12 cartoons that were on the CD only, and eight that were not included in any of the previously published books or CD.
Cartoons from the early books have found their way on to the pages of many newsletters disseminated by schools, parent groups, disability advocacy organizations, and professional associations. They have appeared in books, manuals, and journals; a few were even published in a law journal. The cartoons have been used extensively as projected slides or within learning activities in college classes, at conferences, in workshops, and at other meetings. Parents have framed cartoons that closely reflected their own experiences and hung them in their homes or offices. Other parents have used them in meetings with professionals to help get their points across. They have been given as gifts to people who "get it" and handed out as door prizes. The Vermont Coalition for Disability Rights used them as part of "Disability Awareness Day" at the Vermont legislature. The cartoons can be used in innumerable creative ways.
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Pages
- Title
- Headlock
- Date Created
- 1998
- Description
-
This cartoon shows a scene in a school cafeteria where an occupational therapist using full jaw control while feeding a child with a disability who is seated in a wheelchair. A classmate without disabilities who is seeing this technique for the first time is alarmed by what she is seeing and...
Show moreThis cartoon shows a scene in a school cafeteria where an occupational therapist using full jaw control while feeding a child with a disability who is seated in a wheelchair. A classmate without disabilities who is seeing this technique for the first time is alarmed by what she is seeing and saying to here teacher, "Why does that lady have Lisa in a headlock?" The teacher, who looks perplexed says, "I don't know. I'll ask her." The tag line under the cartoon reads, "Being unfamiliar with therapeutic techniques, Kelsey fears might be on the receiving end of a knee-drop or body slam."
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- Title
- Heavenly Times
- Date Created
- 2007
- Description
-
This cartoon shows the front page of the newspaper Heavenly Times, each side of the title banner shows a winged angel trumpeting. The headline reads, "Scholar Turns Over in Grave, by C. U. Later." The story includes an image of the cemetery headstone of noted anthropologist, Margaret Mead, 1901...
Show moreThis cartoon shows the front page of the newspaper Heavenly Times, each side of the title banner shows a winged angel trumpeting. The headline reads, "Scholar Turns Over in Grave, by C. U. Later." The story includes an image of the cemetery headstone of noted anthropologist, Margaret Mead, 1901-1978, R.I.P. The story reads as follows: "Dateline: Research Heaven. Since her death in 1978, world-renowned anthropologist, Margaret Mead, has been resting peacefully with the full knowledge that varied research methodologies have become increasingly utilized to better understand and improve the human condition. Mead's slumber was abruptly interrupted when federal legislation defined 'scientifically based research' in a manner that dramatically narrows the scope of educational inquiry. Sources close to Mead, report that she is so upset about the government's tampering with foundational research principles that she is organizing a purposeful sample of deceased researchers of various quantitative and qualitative methodological persuasions to peacefully protest this limiting definition by haunting government agencies that restrict or devalue diverse forms of research."
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- Title
- Hell-Bent on Helping
- Date Created
- 1999
- Description
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The cartoon shows two people one in a wheelchair and one on crutches. The person in the wheelchair says to the person on the crutches "The only problem with people in the helping professions is that they are constantly wanting to help you." The person on the crutches says "Go figure?" The tag...
Show moreThe cartoon shows two people one in a wheelchair and one on crutches. The person in the wheelchair says to the person on the crutches "The only problem with people in the helping professions is that they are constantly wanting to help you." The person on the crutches says "Go figure?" The tag line reads "Hell-Bent on Helping." A note on the left says, "Inspired by Emma VanderKlift"
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- Title
- Helping hands
- Date Created
- 2000
- Description
-
The cartoon shows two teachers talking as they are looking at a shelf that has a gravy boat with two hands sticking up out of it. One woman says, "What's with the mannequin hands in the gravy boat?" The other responds, "They're to remind me of the distinction between my role as a teacher and my...
Show moreThe cartoon shows two teachers talking as they are looking at a shelf that has a gravy boat with two hands sticking up out of it. One woman says, "What's with the mannequin hands in the gravy boat?" The other responds, "They're to remind me of the distinction between my role as a teacher and my assistant's role." The tag line reads, "Classroom Assistants: Expect an extra pair of helping hands. The other great things they do are gravy."
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- Title
- Helping or Hovering?
- Date Created
- 1998
- Description
-
This cartoon has four panels arranged in a square pattern. Each panel shows the same student in a wheelchair accompanied in close proximity by the same paraprofessional show in four different ways. In the upper left panel the paraprofessional is behind the student on a cloud with wings and a halo...
Show moreThis cartoon has four panels arranged in a square pattern. Each panel shows the same student in a wheelchair accompanied in close proximity by the same paraprofessional show in four different ways. In the upper left panel the paraprofessional is behind the student on a cloud with wings and a halo over her head with the label, "Guardian Angel." In the upper right panel the paraprofessional is behind the student and inside a giant horseshoe-shaped magnet with the label, "Super-Magnet." The lower panel left shows the paraprofessional attached to the student by stretchy adhesive with the label, "Stuck like glue." The lower right panel shows the paraprofessional in a flying device directly above the student with the label, "Hovercraft." The tag line blow the cartoon reads, "Helping or Hovering?"
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- Title
- Her Own Shadow (ground hog)
- Date Created
- 1999
- Description
-
The cartoon shows a Groundhog sitting on a table talking to Mr. Moody. The Groundhog says "So here's the idea. During the interview, you just casually walk her outside. If she doesn't see her own shadow, you hire her for a six week probationary period." the tag line reads, "Mr. Moody considers...
Show moreThe cartoon shows a Groundhog sitting on a table talking to Mr. Moody. The Groundhog says "So here's the idea. During the interview, you just casually walk her outside. If she doesn't see her own shadow, you hire her for a six week probationary period." the tag line reads, "Mr. Moody considers the school district consultant's recommendation for hiring an instructional assistant who won't unnecessarily shadow students."
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- Title
- Hierarchy of Deeds
- Date Created
- 2000
- Description
-
The cartoon shows a black triangle with white writing divided into five sections (meant to evoke Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs) that read from top to bottom. "Encourage each student's unique abilities and talents." "Teach the kids and provide opportunities for learning." "Welcome every student and...
Show moreThe cartoon shows a black triangle with white writing divided into five sections (meant to evoke Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs) that read from top to bottom. "Encourage each student's unique abilities and talents." "Teach the kids and provide opportunities for learning." "Welcome every student and help each one be a valued member of the classroom community." "Make sure the classroom is a safe and secure place to be." and "Make sure kids have meals and snacks. Let them drink water and use the bathroom whenever needed." In the lower left-hand corner of the panel are two men reading the triangle and one says to the other, "What do you think?" and the other replies, "Roscoe. I think Maslow would approve!" The tag line reads, "Roscoe's Hierarchy of Deeds."
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- Title
- High Anxiety
- Date Created
- 2000
- Description
-
The cartoon shows a circus tent with a high wire stretched across the center. On one end of the wire is a platform with a sign on it with the word, "Vision" in big letters. On the other end of the wire is another platform with two men standing there. One man is holding a balancing pole with a bag...
Show moreThe cartoon shows a circus tent with a high wire stretched across the center. On one end of the wire is a platform with a sign on it with the word, "Vision" in big letters. On the other end of the wire is another platform with two men standing there. One man is holding a balancing pole with a bag of money on each end (he is nervous and says, "gulp" the other man standing behind him on the ladder says, "That's the plan. Now go for it." The Ring Master on the ground says, "...And without a net..." The tag line reads, "Unless you have the skills, it's high anxiety."
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- Title
- High Standards
- Date Created
- 1999
- Description
-
The cartoon shows Mr. Moody (administrator) standing on a chair reaching up to the top shelf of a book shelf. The labels on the shelves say Reports, Journals, and the top shelf he is reaching toward says Standards. It looks like he may fall. The tag lines reads "Mr. Moody complies with his...
Show moreThe cartoon shows Mr. Moody (administrator) standing on a chair reaching up to the top shelf of a book shelf. The labels on the shelves say Reports, Journals, and the top shelf he is reaching toward says Standards. It looks like he may fall. The tag lines reads "Mr. Moody complies with his district's promise to maintain high standards."
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- Title
- Holding the Bag
- Date Created
- 1998
- Description
-
This cartoon shows a man looking distressed with his hand on his forehead and holding a bag, while off to the side four others are running away from him in different directions. The tag line under the cartoon reads, "After a unidirectional experience with role release, Henry feels like he is left...
Show moreThis cartoon shows a man looking distressed with his hand on his forehead and holding a bag, while off to the side four others are running away from him in different directions. The tag line under the cartoon reads, "After a unidirectional experience with role release, Henry feels like he is left holding the bag."
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- Title
- I don't do windows
- Date Created
- 2000
- Description
-
The cartoon shows an administrator interviewing woman sitting across from him. He says to her, "The final clause in your new job description says, "The paraeducator will engage in other tasks assigned by the teacher or principal." She replies, "I need to make one thing clear. I don't do windows."...
Show moreThe cartoon shows an administrator interviewing woman sitting across from him. He says to her, "The final clause in your new job description says, "The paraeducator will engage in other tasks assigned by the teacher or principal." She replies, "I need to make one thing clear. I don't do windows." The tag line reads, "Having been a paraeducator for a couple years, Dorothy knew that the final clause could mean just about anything." The acknowledgement on the left side of the cartoon reads, "Inspired by Linda Backus."
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- Title
- I Wanna Be a Psychologist
- Date Created
- 1999
- Description
-
This cartoon is two panels. In the top panel the teacher is facing a boy sitting at a desk with his hand up. The teacher says, "So Jimmy, what do you want to be when you grow up?" Jimmy says, "I wanna be a Psychologist." In the bottom panel the teacher is looking confused and says, "That is...
Show moreThis cartoon is two panels. In the top panel the teacher is facing a boy sitting at a desk with his hand up. The teacher says, "So Jimmy, what do you want to be when you grow up?" Jimmy says, "I wanna be a Psychologist." In the bottom panel the teacher is looking confused and says, "That is interesting. Can you tell me what a Psychologist does?" Jimmy is sitting at the desk with a thought bubble above his head with a dinosaur skeleton in it and says, "Sure! They put dinosaur bones together!" The tag line reads "Confusion regarding "ists" and ologists" starts at an early age."
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- Title
- If You Can't Beat 'Em…
- Date Created
- 1999
- Description
-
The cartoon shows teachers and children playing at a play ground on a slide a swing set and playing frisbee. One teacher sliding down the slide with a child on his lap says to the other teacher on a swing, "You're right this is way better that what we used to do!" The teacher on the swing...
Show moreThe cartoon shows teachers and children playing at a play ground on a slide a swing set and playing frisbee. One teacher sliding down the slide with a child on his lap says to the other teacher on a swing, "You're right this is way better that what we used to do!" The teacher on the swing responds, "Way better!" The tag lines reads, "After the school district banned corporal punishment, staff decided on a new moto: 'If you can't beat 'em, Join 'em'."
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- Title
- In your face
- Date Created
- 2000
- Description
-
The cartoon shows two women and a child. The woman on the left says to the other woman, "You must be a very special person to work with disabled children." To which the other woman responds, "Well actually..." The small child standing behind her says forcefully, "Hello?! I'm right here! I can...
Show moreThe cartoon shows two women and a child. The woman on the left says to the other woman, "You must be a very special person to work with disabled children." To which the other woman responds, "Well actually..." The small child standing behind her says forcefully, "Hello?! I'm right here! I can hear you! Hey lady, didn't your mother ever teach you it was rude to talk about people in front of them?" The tag line reads, "Judy's brand of 'in-your-face' Self-advocacy first showed itself at an early age."
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- Title
- Inclusion Mishap #9
- Date Created
- 1998
- Description
-
This cartoon shows a teacher peering around a corner as she hides from a student with a disability she sees down the hallway. The tag line under the cartoon reads, "Inclusion Mishap #9: Due to a faulty intercom, Mrs. Snippet thought the principal said, You have a new student coming to your...
Show moreThis cartoon shows a teacher peering around a corner as she hides from a student with a disability she sees down the hallway. The tag line under the cartoon reads, "Inclusion Mishap #9: Due to a faulty intercom, Mrs. Snippet thought the principal said, You have a new student coming to your classroom -- he has disabilities. Do you best to elude him."
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- Title
- Inclusive Proverb
- Date Created
- 1999
- Description
-
The cartoon shows a couple having Chinese food. In the right of the panel the man has a lot of fortune cookies broken in front of him. The woman in the left of the panel says, "Don't you think that's enough? We have to do something!" The man responds, "I'm hoping to keep opening fortune cookies...
Show moreThe cartoon shows a couple having Chinese food. In the right of the panel the man has a lot of fortune cookies broken in front of him. The woman in the left of the panel says, "Don't you think that's enough? We have to do something!" The man responds, "I'm hoping to keep opening fortune cookies until I get on that says, 'Your child will be appropriately supported in general education.'" The tag line reads "Not so ancient inclusive proverb: Take Action! Persistence overcomes resistance."
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- Title
- International Flair
- Date Created
- 2000
- Description
-
The cartoon shows a teacher talking with a high school student at a table. Their exchange of words starts with the teacher saying, "So that is your course of study for next year." The student replies, "Well, pardon my French but those courses 'Chez parle stinko vous!'" The teacher says, "That's...
Show moreThe cartoon shows a teacher talking with a high school student at a table. Their exchange of words starts with the teacher saying, "So that is your course of study for next year." The student replies, "Well, pardon my French but those courses 'Chez parle stinko vous!'" The teacher says, "That's not French!" The student says, "I know. If you'd let me take some real classes, maybe I could learn French." The tag line reads, "Rodney's self-advocacy takes on a decidedly international flair."
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- Title
- Is Bigger Better?
- Date Created
- 1998
- Description
-
This cartoon shows two colleagues talking to each other. One says, "Do you really expect to implement that 50 page IEP?" The other person, who is hold a thick document and who looks excited says in response, "No, but doesn't it look great!" The tag line under the cartoon reads, "Is Bigger Better?"
- Title
- Island in the Mainstream
- Date Created
- 1998
- Description
-
This cartoon shows a class filled with students seated at desks in rows facing a teacher in the front of the room. In the back of the room, separated by water, a student with a disability seated in a wheelchair is alone on a small desert island with one palm tree, sitting a table across from a...
Show moreThis cartoon shows a class filled with students seated at desks in rows facing a teacher in the front of the room. In the back of the room, separated by water, a student with a disability seated in a wheelchair is alone on a small desert island with one palm tree, sitting a table across from a white-haired paraprofessional -- neither are facing the teacher. The tag line under the cartoon reads, "Island in the Mainstream. Mrs. Cooper and Mrs. Jones are still trying to figure out why Fred doesn't feel like part of the class." The note on the side indicates, "Inspired by Doug Biklen."
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- Title
- It's a Jungle Out There!
- Date Created
- 2000
- Description
-
The cartoon shows a sign in the front of a classroom room that says, "Welcome to first-year teacher orientation!" A group of first-year are teachers sitting at tables facing a man dressed in safari clothes, pith helmet, high boots, canteen on his shoulder, and a walking stick who is saying, ...
Show moreThe cartoon shows a sign in the front of a classroom room that says, "Welcome to first-year teacher orientation!" A group of first-year are teachers sitting at tables facing a man dressed in safari clothes, pith helmet, high boots, canteen on his shoulder, and a walking stick who is saying, "People, the jungle is a place of great beauty, but also presents many hazards for the uninitiated. You must learn to become one with the jungle and all its inhabitants." One of the new teachers is leaning over to the person next to him and saying, "Does he always dress in character and talk in metaphors?" The person replies, "I don't know, I'm just glad he didn't dress as Tarzan!" The tag line reads, "It's a jungle out there!"
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