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
- General Ed
- Date Created
- 1999
- Description
-
The cartoon shows a General named Ed standing in front of an American flag saluting. The tag line reads, "Few people know that before he was 'General Ed' he was 'Special Ed.'"
- Title
- Geography Lesson
- Date Created
- 1998
- Description
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This cartoon shows two educators seated side by side looking at a computer monitor together that is displaying a map of the USA. One person says, "But I thought each school district was required to make individual decisions for students with disabilities -- considering regular class placement in...
Show moreThis cartoon shows two educators seated side by side looking at a computer monitor together that is displaying a map of the USA. One person says, "But I thought each school district was required to make individual decisions for students with disabilities -- considering regular class placement in the neighborhood school as the first option." The second person replies, "Well, on paper -- but really it depends on where you live. Next we'll look at city and county maps." The tag line under the cartoon reads, "Harold gets to use new mapping software to give Ellen a geography lesson in inclusive education."
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- Title
- Getting What you Want
- Date Created
- 1998
- Description
-
This cartoon shows a school administrator and a parent sitting across from each other at table. The expression the administrator's face looks pleased and satisfied as he says, "After lengthy negotiations, we have a plan for Jason's inclusion in regular class. It meets all your requests for direct...
Show moreThis cartoon shows a school administrator and a parent sitting across from each other at table. The expression the administrator's face looks pleased and satisfied as he says, "After lengthy negotiations, we have a plan for Jason's inclusion in regular class. It meets all your requests for direct support services." The parent's face looks distressed as she makes the sound "Gulp!" as she looks at the schedule on the table between them. Every time block shows a direct service (e.g., OT, PT, Speech, Vision, O&M, Hydrotherapy, sensory integration, tutoring) before dismissal and no time in the regular classroom. The tag line under the cartoon reads, "Jason's mother has a close encounter with the old saying: The only thing worse than not getting what want is getting what you want."
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- Title
- Grapevine
- Date Created
- 1999
- Description
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The cartoon shows three panels. The top panel shows a grapevine with grapes, the grapes are saying "The new student is artistic?" The next panel shows the continuation of the grapevine with another bunch of grapes and this bunch is saying "Yes, quite artistic!" The third panel shows the end of...
Show moreThe cartoon shows three panels. The top panel shows a grapevine with grapes, the grapes are saying "The new student is artistic?" The next panel shows the continuation of the grapevine with another bunch of grapes and this bunch is saying "Yes, quite artistic!" The third panel shows the end of the grapevine with another bunch of grapes saying "I heard that the new student is quiet and autistic!" The tag line reads "Communication Breakdown #15: Hearing anything through the grapevine continues to be a very unreliable way to get accurate information."
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- Title
- Hall Patrol
- Date Created
- 1999
- Description
-
The cartoon shows a young man in a wheelchair looking a little worried and a Safety Patrol woman writing on a clipboard. The young man says, "What seems to be the problem?" The Safety Patrol woman says, "I'm issuing you a citation for failure to wear a seat belt while operating a wheelchair." The...
Show moreThe cartoon shows a young man in a wheelchair looking a little worried and a Safety Patrol woman writing on a clipboard. The young man says, "What seems to be the problem?" The Safety Patrol woman says, "I'm issuing you a citation for failure to wear a seat belt while operating a wheelchair." The tag line reads, "Hall Patrol, Hellen is her name, safety is her game."
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- Title
- Hanging On
- Date Created
- 1999
- Description
-
The cartoon shows a panel with a yellow background and the word inclusion in orange block letters. A man is holding onto the letter N with his teeth and someone from outside the panel is exclaiming, "Hang On!!" the tag line reads "People with disabilities don't have any skin on their teeth, and...
Show moreThe cartoon shows a panel with a yellow background and the word inclusion in orange block letters. A man is holding onto the letter N with his teeth and someone from outside the panel is exclaiming, "Hang On!!" the tag line reads "People with disabilities don't have any skin on their teeth, and they shouldn't need any."
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- Title
- Head in the Clouds
- Date Created
- 1999
- Description
-
The cartoon shows two people standing at the top of a mountain overlooking a town with their heads in the clouds. The tag line reads, "Inclusive Education: Proving you can dream with your head in the clouds and still have your feet on the ground."
- Title
- Head in the Sand
- Date Created
- 1998
- Description
-
In a desert a man has his head stuck in the sand while a nearby, upright ostrich looks at him with a question mark over his head. The tag line under the cartoon reads, "Ignoring the need for inclusive education doesn't make it go way".
- 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 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
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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
- 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
- Home Reality
- Date Created
- 1999
- Description
-
The cartoon shows a man and woman sitting and looking exasperated and tired. The mans says to the woman, "We made it through another busy day. Work, dinner, the kids homework, dishes, laundry, bills paid, the kid's baths, bedtime stories…" and the woman responds, "Oh No! We forgot to do the 'home...
Show moreThe cartoon shows a man and woman sitting and looking exasperated and tired. The mans says to the woman, "We made it through another busy day. Work, dinner, the kids homework, dishes, laundry, bills paid, the kid's baths, bedtime stories…" and the woman responds, "Oh No! We forgot to do the 'home therapy program' and to work on 'IEP Goals'!" The tag line reads "Home programming collides with home reality!"
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- Title
- I don't feel prepared
- Date Created
- 1998
- Description
-
This cartoon shows a school principal seated at his desk with a teacher sitting across from him in the foreground. The teacher says, "… so I don't feel prepared to teach a child with disabilities." The tag line under the cartoon reads, "Despite having a master's degree and 18 years of experience,...
Show moreThis cartoon shows a school principal seated at his desk with a teacher sitting across from him in the foreground. The teacher says, "… so I don't feel prepared to teach a child with disabilities." The tag line under the cartoon reads, "Despite having a master's degree and 18 years of experience, Mrs. Snippett tries to convince Mr. Moody that the student with disabilities in her class would be better served by an assistant with no experience."
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- Title
- I Needed… They Gave Me...
- Date Created
- 1998
- Description
-
This cartoon shows a person with hands together praying. In a thought bubble the person is thinking, "I needed moral support and they gave me an article to read. I needed an extra pair of hands and they gave a specialist once a month. I needed someone to demonstrate a method and told me I was...
Show moreThis cartoon shows a person with hands together praying. In a thought bubble the person is thinking, "I needed moral support and they gave me an article to read. I needed an extra pair of hands and they gave a specialist once a month. I needed someone to demonstrate a method and told me I was doing a great job. I needed some information and they gave me an instructional assistant." The tag line under the cartoon reads, "Match supports to needs continues to be an elusive experience for Harry."
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- Title
- I thought Pat was a boy
- Date Created
- 1998
- Description
-
This cartoon has two panels stacked vertically. In the top panel a physical education teachers says to the class, "Boys, 50 crunches! Girls, 5 laps!! Let's go!" The second panel shows the girls running are led by a female paraprofessional pushing a student in his wheelchair. One of the girls says...
Show moreThis cartoon has two panels stacked vertically. In the top panel a physical education teachers says to the class, "Boys, 50 crunches! Girls, 5 laps!! Let's go!" The second panel shows the girls running are led by a female paraprofessional pushing a student in his wheelchair. One of the girls says, "I thought Pat was a boy!?" and another girls says, "He is!!" The tag line under the cartoon reads, "The instructional assistant assigned to Pat experiences ongoing gender confusion."
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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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