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
- Difference Between Disciplines
- Date Created
- 1999
- Description
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The cartoon shows a room with two men playing with balls. One man is playing with large balls and one man is looking at smaller balls. In the foreground of the panel are two educators, a woman and a man. The woman says to the man, "Tell me again, what is the difference between P.T.s and O.T.s?...
Show moreThe cartoon shows a room with two men playing with balls. One man is playing with large balls and one man is looking at smaller balls. In the foreground of the panel are two educators, a woman and a man. The woman says to the man, "Tell me again, what is the difference between P.T.s and O.T.s? The man says "P.T.s have bigger balls." The tag line reads "Sylvia continually struggles to understand the differences between the disciplines."
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- Title
- Different Values and Eras
- Date Created
- 2000
- Description
-
The cartoon shows two men. The man on the left is dressed in colonial era clothing waving a wooden ruler. He says, "That student needs a trip to the woodshed!" The man on the right has long hair is wearing paisley shirt with bell bottom pants and is holding his fingers in a peace sign. He says, ...
Show moreThe cartoon shows two men. The man on the left is dressed in colonial era clothing waving a wooden ruler. He says, "That student needs a trip to the woodshed!" The man on the right has long hair is wearing paisley shirt with bell bottom pants and is holding his fingers in a peace sign. He says, "Chill man, we need to do something nonviolent." The tag line reads, "School staff find it challenging to develop a coherent behavior plan when their practices are reflective of different values and eras."
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- Title
- Do As I Say
- Date Created
- 2000
- Description
-
The cartoon shows a full classroom of university students with a professor at the front of the class. A student asks, "Professor, I know you said we should be merging Regular Ed and Special Ed into one unified system. Can you explain how you pulled it off at the University level?" The professor...
Show moreThe cartoon shows a full classroom of university students with a professor at the front of the class. A student asks, "Professor, I know you said we should be merging Regular Ed and Special Ed into one unified system. Can you explain how you pulled it off at the University level?" The professor responds "Well, it's very challenging. We haven't actually been able to get the two sides to fully cooperate. But don't let our shortcomings hold you back." The tag line reads, "Do As I Say! Not As I Do!"
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- Title
- Don't Be Seduced
- Date Created
- 2000
- Description
-
The cartoon shows a Mermaid relaxing on rocks in the ocean with wrecked ships all around the rocks. There is a man in a row boat paddling toward the rocks and the Mermaid is saying, "Come this way! It's as easy as 1, 2, 3…" The man replies, "Oh that sounds so good!" The tag line reads, "Don't be...
Show moreThe cartoon shows a Mermaid relaxing on rocks in the ocean with wrecked ships all around the rocks. There is a man in a row boat paddling toward the rocks and the Mermaid is saying, "Come this way! It's as easy as 1, 2, 3…" The man replies, "Oh that sounds so good!" The tag line reads, "Don't be seduced! Just because it looks good at first glance doesn't mean it's the right solution."
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- Title
- Don't Miss the Boat
- Date Created
- 2000
- Description
-
The cartoon shows a boat filled with people leaving the dock. The name on the side is "SS Inclusion" There is a young man trying to step from the dock to the boat as it speeds away and looks as if he will fall in the water. The tag line reads, "Don’t miss the boat!"
- Title
- Don't Take the Bait! (trap host)
- Date Created
- 2000
- Description
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The cartoon shows five mouse traps. Each trap has a different label where the bait would be placed: (a) "In regular class 2 hours per day," (b) "Separated in the classroom," (c) "Teacher as host only" and this one has a person's finger getting snapped in the trap, (d) "Everything is special," and...
Show moreThe cartoon shows five mouse traps. Each trap has a different label where the bait would be placed: (a) "In regular class 2 hours per day," (b) "Separated in the classroom," (c) "Teacher as host only" and this one has a person's finger getting snapped in the trap, (d) "Everything is special," and (e) "Paraprofessional is really in charge." The tag line reads, "Avoid the traps of quasi-inclusion: Don't take the bait!"
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- Title
- Dress Code
- Date Created
- 2000
- Description
-
The cartoon shows Mr. Moody dressed in a white suit from the 70's (he is in a classic pose like John Travolta in the Saturday Night Fever). He is dancing and a disco ball spinning colors reflecting around the room. The tag line reads, "Dress Code: Mr. Moody enacts a new policy: 'All faculty shall...
Show moreThe cartoon shows Mr. Moody dressed in a white suit from the 70's (he is in a classic pose like John Travolta in the Saturday Night Fever). He is dancing and a disco ball spinning colors reflecting around the room. The tag line reads, "Dress Code: Mr. Moody enacts a new policy: 'All faculty shall wear clothing consistent with the era that matches their educational practices.'"
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- Title
- Dry Heat
- Date Created
- 1999
- Description
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The cartoon shows a large group of people sitting around a table all talking at once. One person looks to the guy beside him and says "Is it me, or is there a lot of hot air in this room?" The guy responds "Yes, but it's a dry heat." The tag line reads "Alan always looks for the positive in every...
Show moreThe cartoon shows a large group of people sitting around a table all talking at once. One person looks to the guy beside him and says "Is it me, or is there a lot of hot air in this room?" The guy responds "Yes, but it's a dry heat." The tag line reads "Alan always looks for the positive in every situation."
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- Title
- Duck!
- Date Created
- 2000
- Description
-
The cartoon is two panels stacked vertically. The top panel shows a teacher talking to a professor. Above the teacher's heads is a thought bubble that shows an aggressive student trying to punch the teacher. The teacher says, "Yo, Doc! What intervention should I use when one of the guys loses it...
Show moreThe cartoon is two panels stacked vertically. The top panel shows a teacher talking to a professor. Above the teacher's heads is a thought bubble that shows an aggressive student trying to punch the teacher. The teacher says, "Yo, Doc! What intervention should I use when one of the guys loses it and tries to punch me in the head?" In the lower panel it shows the professor with a thought bubble above his head. It shows the teacher ducking and the a guy throwing a punch that misses his head. The professor says, "My expert opinion would be to duck!" The tag line reads, "Experts get big bucks for consultation to remind folks that 'Intervention' can be effective only before a crisis occurs." The tag line on the left side reads, "Inspired by Ted Carr."
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- Title
- Educational Jeopardy
- Date Created
- 1999
- Description
-
The cartoon shows the game show Jeopardy. The categories on the wall are "Grumpy People" "Big Battles, Little Battles" "You Did What?" "Can't Get There From Here." At the top of the panel it says "Your Child's in Educational Jeopardy." In the panel the game show host says "Janet, it's your turn."...
Show moreThe cartoon shows the game show Jeopardy. The categories on the wall are "Grumpy People" "Big Battles, Little Battles" "You Did What?" "Can't Get There From Here." At the top of the panel it says "Your Child's in Educational Jeopardy." In the panel the game show host says "Janet, it's your turn." and Janet replies "I'll take Grumpy People for $100" the tag line reads "Parents find new ways to raise money for educationally related legal fees."
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- Title
- Elevating Vagueness to an Art Form
- Date Created
- 1998
- Description
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This cartoon shows two special educators having a conversation. The first says, "Don't you think this goal is a bit vague? Mark will improve communication skills?" The second person says, "No. That way it can mean whatever you want it to and we'll never have to change the IEP -- I've used that...
Show moreThis cartoon shows two special educators having a conversation. The first says, "Don't you think this goal is a bit vague? Mark will improve communication skills?" The second person says, "No. That way it can mean whatever you want it to and we'll never have to change the IEP -- I've used that goal for Mark for the last five years!" The tag line under the cartoon reads, "Frank elevates vagueness to an art form."
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- Title
- Endangered Species
- Date Created
- 1998
- Description
-
This cartoons shows two people in the foreground with binoculars (like bird watchers) looking at a group of people in the background. One of the two people says, "Look over there! A well-functioning team!" The second person says, "Isn't it beautiful?" The tag line under the cartoon reads, "Herb...
Show moreThis cartoons shows two people in the foreground with binoculars (like bird watchers) looking at a group of people in the background. One of the two people says, "Look over there! A well-functioning team!" The second person says, "Isn't it beautiful?" The tag line under the cartoon reads, "Herb and Sally add the elusive collaborative team to their life list of rare and endangered species."
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- Title
- Escape Attempts
- Date Created
- 1998
- Description
-
This cartoon shows a teacher at the chalkboard in front of a full class at individual desks arranged in U. The teacher says, "Class... Today we will continue our unit on the rain forest." A student with a disability and his one-to-one paraprofessional, who is standing immediately behind him, are...
Show moreThis cartoon shows a teacher at the chalkboard in front of a full class at individual desks arranged in U. The teacher says, "Class... Today we will continue our unit on the rain forest." A student with a disability and his one-to-one paraprofessional, who is standing immediately behind him, are positioned just a couple steps from the door to the hallway. The tag line under the cartoon reads, "Fred's instructional assistant makes sure she and Fred are positioned close to an exit to make any escape attempts less conspicuous."
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- Title
- Extending the Continuum
- Date Created
- 1999
- Description
-
A USA rocket is at a launchpad waiting to take off into space. To the right is a building with a walkway leading to the rocket. Individuals with disabilities, some using crutches and wheelchairs are boarding. Someone inside the rocket is saying, "Control, we are T-minus 48 minutes and counting...
Show moreA USA rocket is at a launchpad waiting to take off into space. To the right is a building with a walkway leading to the rocket. Individuals with disabilities, some using crutches and wheelchairs are boarding. Someone inside the rocket is saying, "Control, we are T-minus 48 minutes and counting for blast off to the space station. The tag line under the cartoon reads, "Extending the continuum: where will it end?!! The students who misbehaved in a special ed school are transferred to a more restrictive placement."
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- Title
- Extreme Team & Dream Team
- Date Created
- 1999
- Description
-
The cartoon shows two panels. The top panel is a group of educators sitting around a table with papers and pens in front of each person. A mans says, "Are we all here?" A woman at the table says, "Where do my goals go?" The man next to her says, "Are we ready to staple our parts together?" And...
Show moreThe cartoon shows two panels. The top panel is a group of educators sitting around a table with papers and pens in front of each person. A mans says, "Are we all here?" A woman at the table says, "Where do my goals go?" The man next to her says, "Are we ready to staple our parts together?" And then another woman at the table says, "Who's going to tell the parents what we decided?" The tag line for the top panel says, "Extreme Team." The lower panel has four people sitting at a table together. Each person has a piece of paper and a pen as well as pizza and drinks. One woman says, "Are we agreed on these common goals?" The man next to her says, "At our next meeting, let's continue with our adaptation planning." The next woman says, "Let's wrap it up by reviewing accomplishments and processing. Joan, thanks for bringing snacks!" The man next to her says, "I'll share this with the rest of my family!" The tag line for this panel reads "Dream Team."
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- Title
- Eyes in the Back of the Head
- Date Created
- 1999
- Description
-
The cartoon shows a teacher writing on the blackboard in front of a class full of students. One of the students in the front row is making a goofy face at the rest of the class. Without looking behind her, the teacher says, "I saw that." The tag line reads "Students conduct a scientifically...
Show moreThe cartoon shows a teacher writing on the blackboard in front of a class full of students. One of the students in the front row is making a goofy face at the rest of the class. Without looking behind her, the teacher says, "I saw that." The tag line reads "Students conduct a scientifically controlled experiment to verify that teachers really do have eyes in the back of their heads."
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- Title
- Falling in the Woods
- Date Created
- 1999
- Description
-
The cartoon shows a path in the woods with trees all around. There is a person falling backward and all you can see are their feet and a hand. The tag line reads "If a student with a disability falls in the woods, on the grounds of a special education school, and there are no nondisabled peers...
Show moreThe cartoon shows a path in the woods with trees all around. There is a person falling backward and all you can see are their feet and a hand. The tag line reads "If a student with a disability falls in the woods, on the grounds of a special education school, and there are no nondisabled peers there to hear him, does his fall make a sound?"
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- Title
- Falling Through the Cracks
- Date Created
- 2000
- Description
-
The cartoon shows a bridge in the sky. There are boards missing across the bridge and the ones that are there have "Standards" written on them. There are children trying to cross the bridge. Some are easily able to get across, some are struggling to hang on, and some are falling through the...
Show moreThe cartoon shows a bridge in the sky. There are boards missing across the bridge and the ones that are there have "Standards" written on them. There are children trying to cross the bridge. Some are easily able to get across, some are struggling to hang on, and some are falling through the cracks between the boards. The tag line reads, "How many students are falling through the cracks?"
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- Title
- False Rumors
- Date Created
- 1999
- Description
-
The cartoon shows Mr. Moody working under a sink with a wrench. Someone from out of the panel says "Mr. Moody, It's time for our meeting. Are you ready to join us?" and Mr. Moody replies "Almost, I just have to finish this last joint." The tag line reads "Communication Breakdown #21: False rumors...
Show moreThe cartoon shows Mr. Moody working under a sink with a wrench. Someone from out of the panel says "Mr. Moody, It's time for our meeting. Are you ready to join us?" and Mr. Moody replies "Almost, I just have to finish this last joint." The tag line reads "Communication Breakdown #21: False rumors are spread that Mr. Moody uses illegal substances."
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- Title
- Family-Centered Approaches
- Date Created
- 1999
- Description
-
The cartoon shows a group of educators sitting in chairs in a circle with a man and a woman sitting in the center of the circle back to back. The woman says to the man, "This isn't exactly what I had in mind." The man says "Me either." The tag line reads "Family - Centered approaches gone bad."