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
- Achieve All the Standards
- Date Created
- 2000
- Description
-
The cartoon shows two school officials, a man on the left who is looking stressed and a woman to his right. The man is holding a huge stack of papers that rise from his waist to above his head. He is saying to the woman, "In order for students to achieve all the standards we'll have to extend the...
Show moreThe cartoon shows two school officials, a man on the left who is looking stressed and a woman to his right. The man is holding a huge stack of papers that rise from his waist to above his head. He is saying to the woman, "In order for students to achieve all the standards we'll have to extend the school day to 10 hours, the school year to 240 days, and the students will have to go to high school until age 24." The tag line reads, "School Officials Ponder Their Options: Adjust the standards, adjust the school program or adjust both."
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- Title
- Adjustment Problem
- Date Created
- 1999
- Description
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This cartoon has two panels stacked vertically; they shows a man who is a school administrator calling Mrs. Jones from the school. The top panel is split in half. On the left half there is the administrator from the school on the phone saying, "Mrs. Jones we're having a problem at school. Sarah,...
Show moreThis cartoon has two panels stacked vertically; they shows a man who is a school administrator calling Mrs. Jones from the school. The top panel is split in half. On the left half there is the administrator from the school on the phone saying, "Mrs. Jones we're having a problem at school. Sarah, Buzz, Roy, and Val seem to be having difficulty getting along with your daughter." On the right half of the panel Mrs. Jones says into the phone, "I'm so surprised! I thought she was getting along so well with her classmates!" The panel on the bottom is split the same as above and the administrator is saying "She is! Sarah, Buzz, Roy and Val are Adults." Mrs. Jones has a thought bubble with gray in it and she has a frown on her face. The tag line reads, "Adjustment Problems: 'Usually the adults, rarely the kids.'"
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- Title
- Airlifting
- Date Created
- 1999
- Description
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The cartoon shows a helicopter hovering over a school building trying to lower a square box with the words "Special Class Approaches" into a round hole on the roof with the words "Regular Class" written around the edge of the hole. The tag line reads "Attempts at airlifting certain special...
Show moreThe cartoon shows a helicopter hovering over a school building trying to lower a square box with the words "Special Class Approaches" into a round hole on the roof with the words "Regular Class" written around the edge of the hole. The tag line reads "Attempts at airlifting certain special approaches into regular class are unsuccessful, they just don't fit."
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- Title
- Amazing Maize
- Date Created
- 2000
- Description
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The cartoon shows a woman standing at the edge of a large corn field holding a flag with a very long handle. There are two wooden signs. One reads, "Welcome to the Special Ed IEP Process" and the other says, "Please, Take a flag in case you get lost." There is a flag in the field to the left of...
Show moreThe cartoon shows a woman standing at the edge of a large corn field holding a flag with a very long handle. There are two wooden signs. One reads, "Welcome to the Special Ed IEP Process" and the other says, "Please, Take a flag in case you get lost." There is a flag in the field to the left of the panel and someone hidden in the corn maize saying, "I'm back at the same place again." and another flag on the right side of the panel with a different hidden person saying, "Does this ever end?" The tag line reads, "The amazing special education maize."
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- Title
- American Elvis Research Association
- Date Created
- 2000
- Description
-
The cartoon shows an Elvis Impersonator in a star-spangled jumpsuit on a stage talking to a crowd of people. On the back wall of the stage is a sign that reads, "American Elvis Research Association" stacked vertically so the first letter of each word creates the acronym AERA. Elvis impersonator...
Show moreThe cartoon shows an Elvis Impersonator in a star-spangled jumpsuit on a stage talking to a crowd of people. On the back wall of the stage is a sign that reads, "American Elvis Research Association" stacked vertically so the first letter of each word creates the acronym AERA. Elvis impersonator is saying into a microphone "Since the King's death the number of Elvis impersonators has increased exponentially. By the year 2005, one in four school-aged children will be Elvis impersonators and over half by 2010. Schools must be prepared. Thank you. Thank you very much." The tag line reads, "Faulty Research Logic." A acknowledgement tag line the left reads, "Inspired by Michael Hock and Cathy Quinn."
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- Title
- Anatomy
- Date Created
- 2000
- Description
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The cartoon shows an image of a person with labels for different places in their body. The labels start at top of the panel with a lightbulb above the head labeled, "great ideas" then comes the brain with the label pointing to a very small dot, "small ego." The next label pointing to a large part...
Show moreThe cartoon shows an image of a person with labels for different places in their body. The labels start at top of the panel with a lightbulb above the head labeled, "great ideas" then comes the brain with the label pointing to a very small dot, "small ego." The next label pointing to a large part of the brain, "willing learner." Next is the ear labeled, "good listener." The eye is labeled, "sees things for what they are." The nose is labeled, "able to sniff out trouble" and tip of the nose sports a round clown nose and is labeled, "sense of humor." The smiling mouth is labeled, "optimistic" and the flexed bicep muscle "strong will." The is heart labeled "big heart" and the stomach is labeled "strong stomach." The intestines are labeled "guts" and wiggly shaped right arm is labeled "flexible." The legs are labeled "legs to go the distance" and feet are labeled "feet firmly on the ground." The tag line reads, "Anatomy of an effective team member."
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- Title
- Appropriate Label
- Date Created
- 1999
- Description
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The cartoon shows a woman talking to a man in a wheelchair. The woman says "So, how do you prefer to be called? Handicapped? Disabled? Or Physically-Challenged?" the man responds "Joe would be fine." the tag line reads "The most appropriate label is usually the one someone's parents have given...
Show moreThe cartoon shows a woman talking to a man in a wheelchair. The woman says "So, how do you prefer to be called? Handicapped? Disabled? Or Physically-Challenged?" the man responds "Joe would be fine." the tag line reads "The most appropriate label is usually the one someone's parents have given them."
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- Title
- Asleep/Awake
- Date Created
- 1998
- Description
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This cartoon has two panels. The top panel shows a students a student sitting in a wheelchair sleeping (with Zzzzzzz coming from her nose) -- the setting is labeled "Special Class." The lower panel, which is labeled "Regular Class" shows the same student, awake and alert interacting with two...
Show moreThis cartoon has two panels. The top panel shows a students a student sitting in a wheelchair sleeping (with Zzzzzzz coming from her nose) -- the setting is labeled "Special Class." The lower panel, which is labeled "Regular Class" shows the same student, awake and alert interacting with two classmates. The tag line under the cartoon reads, "After ruling out a medical reason, Bobby Sue's parents come to the conclusion that there's just a lot more to be awake for in regular class."
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- Title
- Authentic Assessment
- Date Created
- 1999
- Description
-
The cartoon shows a wall with signs across the top and sides. There is a salesman pointing to the signs behind a counter and a woman in the foreground. The sign across the top of the panel reads "Test Publishers Inc." On the left side of the panel a sign reads "Our Moto: 'We'll sell you what-ever...
Show moreThe cartoon shows a wall with signs across the top and sides. There is a salesman pointing to the signs behind a counter and a woman in the foreground. The sign across the top of the panel reads "Test Publishers Inc." On the left side of the panel a sign reads "Our Moto: 'We'll sell you what-ever you're willing to buy regardless of quality or utility'." Other signs read "Authentic Assessments," "Counterfeit Assessments," "Culturally Biased Assessments," "Hypothetical Assessments," "Make-Believe Assessments," and "Verified, But Useless Assessments." The woman asks the salesman "What kind of assessment tools do you carry?" The salesman says, "We carry a full range!" The tag line reads, "Authentic Assessments: Consider the Alternatives."
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- Title
- Backward Day
- Date Created
- 1998
- Description
-
This cartoon has two panels offset stepwise. The upper panel shows a classroom scene where a paraprofessional who is standing directly behind a student seated in a wheelchair says to the classroom teacher, "Mark should stay inside after lunch. By the time I get his coat on recess will be over."...
Show moreThis cartoon has two panels offset stepwise. The upper panel shows a classroom scene where a paraprofessional who is standing directly behind a student seated in a wheelchair says to the classroom teacher, "Mark should stay inside after lunch. By the time I get his coat on recess will be over." The teacher responds, "That seems reasonable." A classmate who overhears says to the adults, "What if we just put his coat on backwards?" Another classmate says, "That would look weird." In the lower panel, the first classmate says, "Not if everyone wore their coat backwards." as the entire class surrounds their classmate seated in the wheelchair in solidarity by all wearing their coats backwards. The tag line reads, "Mrs. Basil's class invents Backwards Day at school."
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- Title
- Balancing Act
- Date Created
- 2000
- Description
-
The cartoon shows scales. The top bar of the scales says, "Quality Education" the scale on the left says, "Academic/Functional" and the one on the right says, "Social/Personal." There are gold coins on each scale and there is a hand coming down from the top of the panel with another coin to place...
Show moreThe cartoon shows scales. The top bar of the scales says, "Quality Education" the scale on the left says, "Academic/Functional" and the one on the right says, "Social/Personal." There are gold coins on each scale and there is a hand coming down from the top of the panel with another coin to place in one of the scales. The tag line reads, "It's a balancing act!"
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- Title
- Band-Aid Approach
- Date Created
- 2000
- Description
-
The cartoon shows a woman with short blonde hair and purple dress on the left side of the panel. She is a teacher. She is holding a green binder talking to a person-sized Band-Aid who is a paraprofessional. The teacher says, "Here's the deal: we've got lots of kids, too many who need extra help,...
Show moreThe cartoon shows a woman with short blonde hair and purple dress on the left side of the panel. She is a teacher. She is holding a green binder talking to a person-sized Band-Aid who is a paraprofessional. The teacher says, "Here's the deal: we've got lots of kids, too many who need extra help, too much paperwork, not enough planning time, and extensive staff development needs. Thank goodness you're here! Our problems are solved!" The Band-Aid responds, "I'll do what I can, but I can only do so much." The tag line reads, "Band-Aid Approach: Are we expecting too much of instructional assistants?"
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- Title
- BeFORE and After
- Date Created
- 1998
- Description
-
This cartoon has two panels stacked vertically. The top panel shows a teacher sitting in a chair holding a 1-10 number line and point the number 7. He says, "Children, we're going to practice numbers that come BEFORE and AFTER other numbers. OK. What number is this?" A student replies "7." In the...
Show moreThis cartoon has two panels stacked vertically. The top panel shows a teacher sitting in a chair holding a 1-10 number line and point the number 7. He says, "Children, we're going to practice numbers that come BEFORE and AFTER other numbers. OK. What number is this?" A student replies "7." In the lower frame with the same image the teacher says, "Good. What number comes beFORE this number?" The student says, "B3?" The tag line under the cartoon reads, "Mr. Green's students experience Cue Confusion."
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- Title
- Bending Over Backwards
- Date Created
- 1999
- Description
-
The cartoon shows a classroom teacher and a student at a desk. The teacher is doing a back bend and pointing at the students work. The teacher says "Nice work Melanie!" and the Melanie says "Thanks for your help Mrs. V." The tag line reads "Mrs. V. is the kind of classroom teacher who bends over...
Show moreThe cartoon shows a classroom teacher and a student at a desk. The teacher is doing a back bend and pointing at the students work. The teacher says "Nice work Melanie!" and the Melanie says "Thanks for your help Mrs. V." The tag line reads "Mrs. V. is the kind of classroom teacher who bends over backwards for all of her students."
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- Title
- Best Instructors in 2nd Grade
- Date Created
- 1998
- Description
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This cartoon shows two teachers in the foreground talking to each other while two students are interacting in the background. One teacher asks the other, "What graduate course did you take to learn so much about teaching students with disabilities?" As the teacher motions toward the two students,...
Show moreThis cartoon shows two teachers in the foreground talking to each other while two students are interacting in the background. One teacher asks the other, "What graduate course did you take to learn so much about teaching students with disabilities?" As the teacher motions toward the two students, the student without disabilities says to her classmate with a disability, "Now you try it!" as teacher says to her colleague, "Well... I can introduce to one of my professors." The tag line under the cartoon reads, "Mrs. Hope found some of her best instructors were still in second grade."
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- Title
- Bill of Goods
- Date Created
- 1998
- Description
-
This cartoon shows a teacher in the doorway of her classroom looking perplexed. In the hallway speaking to her is a man holding a large poster which says, "1. General Education Teachers can't teach students with disabilities. 2. You only have to be a host. 3. Everybody else is an expert." There...
Show moreThis cartoon shows a teacher in the doorway of her classroom looking perplexed. In the hallway speaking to her is a man holding a large poster which says, "1. General Education Teachers can't teach students with disabilities. 2. You only have to be a host. 3. Everybody else is an expert." There are other items listed that are not readable. The man says to the teacher, "Excuse me Ma'am, you were sold a bill of goods. I am sorry to have to inform you that it has been recalled." The tag line under the cartoon reads, "After being sold a bill of goods, Mrs. Martin is surprised to learn it's defective."
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- Title
- Black Hole
- Date Created
- 2000
- Description
-
The cartoon shows a spaceship out in deep space heading for a black Hole. There is a sign on the edge of the Black Hole that reads, "Welcome to the Black Hole of Special Education." Someone on the spaceship says, "Captain, I've heard tales. But I thought they were myths!" To which the Captain...
Show moreThe cartoon shows a spaceship out in deep space heading for a black Hole. There is a sign on the edge of the Black Hole that reads, "Welcome to the Black Hole of Special Education." Someone on the spaceship says, "Captain, I've heard tales. But I thought they were myths!" To which the Captain replies, "Apparently not! Engineering, reverse thrusters Full Power!" The tag line reads, "Boldly not going where too many others have gone before!"
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- Title
- Born to be Filed
- Date Created
- 2000
- Description
-
This cartoon shows a bearded biker wearing a black leather jacket with a skull and crossbones on the back sitting on his motorcycle while placing a file folder in a file cabinet. One file says, "No one's ever going to see us again are they?" Another file folder replies, "Nope!" In the background...
Show moreThis cartoon shows a bearded biker wearing a black leather jacket with a skull and crossbones on the back sitting on his motorcycle while placing a file folder in a file cabinet. One file says, "No one's ever going to see us again are they?" Another file folder replies, "Nope!" In the background a rock band consisting of two guitar players and a drummer are signing to the melody of Steppenwolf's Born to be Wild, although the words have been changed to: "Get your motor runnin'. Head out on the highway. Lookin' for adventure in whatever comes our way. BORN TO BE FILED!" The tag line reads, "Teammates engage in their annual pot-IEP completion ritual."
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- Title
- Building Blocks
- Date Created
- 2000
- Description
-
The cartoons shows a Baby playing with large blocks, building a tower. The blocks have large letters on them, each with a word that begins with the corresponding letter. At the base of the tower, block "A" the word is for "Accountability" and "B" is "Belonging." The next layer of the tower "C" is...
Show moreThe cartoons shows a Baby playing with large blocks, building a tower. The blocks have large letters on them, each with a word that begins with the corresponding letter. At the base of the tower, block "A" the word is for "Accountability" and "B" is "Belonging." The next layer of the tower "C" is "Collaboration" and D and is "Determination." The third layer has the block "E" for "Equity and the is placing the block," F for "Fun" on the top. The tag line reads, "Building Blocks of Teamwork."
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- Title
- Cadaver Lab
- Date Created
- 1998
- Description
-
This cartoon shows a physician and a physical therapy student dressed in medical scrubs standing on the far side table where a cadaver with the lower legs showing is on a table. On the near side of the table are two school psychology students dressed in street clothes and holding clip boards and...
Show moreThis cartoon shows a physician and a physical therapy student dressed in medical scrubs standing on the far side table where a cadaver with the lower legs showing is on a table. On the near side of the table are two school psychology students dressed in street clothes and holding clip boards and pencils. The physician says to the physical therapy student, "OK, now pull back the skin to expose the quadricep." One school psychology student asks, "How do I score that?" The other student says about the cadaver, "He didn't give an incorrect response -- give him 2 points. That puts him in the range of moderate to severe intellectual disability." The tag line under the cartoon reads, "In the cadaver lab, physical therapy and school psychology students work together in an experimental interdisciplinary training program."
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