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
- 1. Ants in His Pants
- Date Created
- 1998
- Description
-
This collection includes 111 color cartoon images from the book Ants in His Pants. A digital version of the book with the cartoons in the order they were originally published is available at this link: https://cdi.uvm.edu/book/uvmcdi-105567
Giangreco, M. F. (1998). Ants in his pants: Absurdities...
Show moreThis collection includes 111 color cartoon images from the book Ants in His Pants. A digital version of the book with the cartoons in the order they were originally published is available at this link: https://cdi.uvm.edu/book/uvmcdi-105567Giangreco, M. F. (1998). Ants in his pants: Absurdities and realities of special education. Corwin. (out of print, 2019).
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- Title
- 2. Flying by the Seat of Your Pants
- Date Created
- 1999
- Description
-
This collection includes 105 color cartoon images from Flying by the Seat of Your Pants. A digital version of the book with the cartoons in the order they were originally published is available at this link: https://cdi.uvm.edu/book/uvmcdi-105460
Giangreco, M. F. (1999). Flying by the seat of...
Show moreThis collection includes 105 color cartoon images from Flying by the Seat of Your Pants. A digital version of the book with the cartoons in the order they were originally published is available at this link: https://cdi.uvm.edu/book/uvmcdi-105460Giangreco, M. F. (1999). Flying by the seat of your pants: More absurdities and realities of special education. Corwin. (out of print, 2019).
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- Title
- 3. Teaching Old Logs New Tricks
- Date Created
- 2000
- Description
-
This collection includes 101 color cartoon images from Teaching Old Logs New Tricks. A digital version of the book with the cartoons in the order they were originally published is available at this link: https://cdi.uvm.edu/book/uvmcdi-105357
Giangreco, M. F. (2000). Teaching old logs new tricks:...
Show moreThis collection includes 101 color cartoon images from Teaching Old Logs New Tricks. A digital version of the book with the cartoons in the order they were originally published is available at this link: https://cdi.uvm.edu/book/uvmcdi-105357Giangreco, M. F. (2000). Teaching old logs new tricks: Absurdities and realities of education. Corwin. (out of print, 2019).
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- Title
- 4. CD Only
- Date Created
- 2007
- Description
-
This collection includes 12 color cartoon images that were originally published on searchable CD: Giangreco, M. F. (2007). Absurdities and realities of special education: The complete digital set [searchable CD]. Corwin. (out of print, 2019). This subset of 12 cartoons were part of The Complete...
Show moreThis collection includes 12 color cartoon images that were originally published on searchable CD: Giangreco, M. F. (2007). Absurdities and realities of special education: The complete digital set [searchable CD]. Corwin. (out of print, 2019). This subset of 12 cartoons were part of The Complete Digital Set on the CD that included 327 both color and black and white digital images of all of the cartoons in the three books/subcollections: (1) Ants in Pants..., (2) Flying by the Seat of Your Pants..., and (3) Teaching Old Logs New Tricks. The 12 cartoons in this subcollection were those not previously published in the earlier books.
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- Title
- 5. Post CD
- Date Created
- 2010-2021
- Description
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This collection includes 6 color cartoon images that were created between 2010-2021, after the publication of the books and CD.
- Title
- A, B, C's of Inclusion
- Date Created
- 1998
- Description
-
This cartoon shows a chalkboard with three words stacked in a stepwise fashion and the first letter of each word much larger than the remaining letters; the words are Acceptance, Belonging, and Community. The tag line under the cartoon reads, "The ABC's of Inclusion". The note on the side...
Show moreThis cartoon shows a chalkboard with three words stacked in a stepwise fashion and the first letter of each word much larger than the remaining letters; the words are Acceptance, Belonging, and Community. The tag line under the cartoon reads, "The ABC's of Inclusion". The note on the side indicates, "Inspired by Mary Beth Doyle".
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- Title
- Asleep/Awake
- Date Created
- 1998
- Description
-
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
- 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
- Cookbook Recipes
- Date Created
- 1998
- Description
-
This cartoon shows a person dressed as a chef attempting to follow a recipe from a book titled "Inclusion Cookbook." The scene in the kitchen is chaotic and messy (e.g., broken eggs, spilled liquids), with equipment and food strewn about in disarray. The tag line under the cartoon reads, "After...
Show moreThis cartoon shows a person dressed as a chef attempting to follow a recipe from a book titled "Inclusion Cookbook." The scene in the kitchen is chaotic and messy (e.g., broken eggs, spilled liquids), with equipment and food strewn about in disarray. The tag line under the cartoon reads, "After several attempts, Fred begins to realize that cookbook recipes for inclusion just don't work."
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- Title
- Eating His Hat
- Date Created
- 1999
- Description
-
The cartoon shows a man salting his hat and eating it. The tag line reads "Roy makes good on his promise to eat his hat when students with severe disabilities are successfully included in General Education classes."
- Title
- English Literature
- Date Created
- 1998
- Description
-
This cartoon shows a teacher in front of two high school students seated in wheelchairs with lap trays. The teacher says, "Welcome to 11th grade English Literature!" One student says to the other, "Pay up George!" His classmate says, "Alright, you win. But I can't believe we're through with...
Show moreThis cartoon shows a teacher in front of two high school students seated in wheelchairs with lap trays. The teacher says, "Welcome to 11th grade English Literature!" One student says to the other, "Pay up George!" His classmate says, "Alright, you win. But I can't believe we're through with nursery rhymes!" The tag line under the cartoon reads, "Special Education students turn to gambling to avoid the boredom of age-inappropriate activities."
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- Title
- Everyone is Included
- Date Created
- 1998
- Description
-
This cartoon has two panels stacked vertically and offset in a stepwise manner. The scenes in both frames are identical, a parent seated in a chair with a piece of paper in her hand speaking with a school principal who is seated behind a desk. In the first frame the parent asks, "In your school...
Show moreThis cartoon has two panels stacked vertically and offset in a stepwise manner. The scenes in both frames are identical, a parent seated in a chair with a piece of paper in her hand speaking with a school principal who is seated behind a desk. In the first frame the parent asks, "In your school do you have inclusive students? Inclusion facilitators? Inclusion classrooms? Inclusion programs?" The principal replies, "No." In the second frame the parent asks, "Why not?" and the principal replies, "Because everyone's included." The tag line under the cartoon reads, "Inclusive Education becomes a moot point."
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- Title
- Excluses
- Date Created
- 1998
- Description
-
This cartoon shows eight panels of the same person saying each of the following statements: "We tried that before.", "I agree philosophically, but…", "It costs to much.", "Our system is too big.", "Our system is too small.", "What we do now is just fine.", "I'm sure it works well in other places,...
Show moreThis cartoon shows eight panels of the same person saying each of the following statements: "We tried that before.", "I agree philosophically, but…", "It costs to much.", "Our system is too big.", "Our system is too small.", "What we do now is just fine.", "I'm sure it works well in other places, but not here.", "It's against my religion.", and "It's not within my authority." The tag line under the cartoon reads, "Exclusion + Excuses = Excluses: Common reasons for avoiding inclusive education."
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- Title
- Flair for the Dramatic
- Date Created
- 1998
- Description
-
This cartoon shows a mother and child trying to enter a school with a sign on the exterior, "Exclusionville Elementary." The Principal (Mr. Moody) is physically blocking the entrance to the school while saying, "I'm sorry, but you can't bring THAT child in THIS school." The tag line under the...
Show moreThis cartoon shows a mother and child trying to enter a school with a sign on the exterior, "Exclusionville Elementary." The Principal (Mr. Moody) is physically blocking the entrance to the school while saying, "I'm sorry, but you can't bring THAT child in THIS school." The tag line under the cartoon reads, "Mr. Moody displays his flair for the dramatic."
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- Title
- Frequent Includer Program
- Date Created
- 1999
- Description
-
The Cartoon shows a male teacher sitting at a desk with two parents standing on the other side of the desk in front of him. The teacher is saying "So, I can earn 20,000 points for each student with a disability I include in a regular class?" The father says "That's right! Redeemable for items in...
Show moreThe Cartoon shows a male teacher sitting at a desk with two parents standing on the other side of the desk in front of him. The teacher is saying "So, I can earn 20,000 points for each student with a disability I include in a regular class?" The father says "That's right! Redeemable for items in our catalogue." The tag line reads "Desperate parents resort to establishing their own 'frequent Includer Program.'"
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- Title
- Geography Lesson
- Date Created
- 1998
- Description
-
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
- 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".