Kathy Malcolm Resources

Murr, A. (1990, May 7). When gangs meet the handicapped. Newsweek, p. 70. Bartholomew, B. (1990, February 4). Ex-offenders aid world of disabled. New York Times National, p. 34.

OVERVIEW

There are 35,000,000 disabled persons in the United States. Most of these people need individualized care. A program in California is helping to alleviate that need while also rehabilitating juvenile offenders. "The juvenile offenders earn high school credits and work experience while the disabled children receive individual attention and the opportunity to interact with the able-bodied." (Bartholomew, p. 34)

Sharon Roberts, a special education administrative assistant in Los Angeles County developed up the program that now includes over 225 severely disabled students and about 105 juvenile offenders. The juvenile offender reports to the Pace School for two hours every weekday morning and spends time with the disabled. This gives the disabled individual special attention and serves as rehabilitation for the juvenile offender. Yet, the program is not perfect. After 18 months 22 of the 105 juveniles have been expelled, largely due to poor behavior and attendance. But for the majority that have stayed, "grades and behavior have greatly improved."

Disabled kids quickly respond to the individual attention. It is moving to see a "Crips" member and a "Bloods" member working side by side with the disabled. They do not all like it, but the ones that do are flourishing. It is better than returning from jail right to the streets. Alfred, a 17-year-old former Crip who used to shoot at rival gang members, says about the program, "This shows that I can do something," "It’s the first time I’ve felt like that. I feel more kind-hearted and stuff than I thought I was, and I’m not scared to admit it or nothing."

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION AND DISCUSSION

1. Do you believe it is safe for juvenile offenders who work with disabled kids?
2. Can disabled kids learn from juvenile offenders?
3. Do you agree with the practicality of this program? How would you change it?

IMPLICATIONS

1. Disabled persons benefit from personalized individual attention and from interaction with the able-bodied.
2. Juvenile offenders can provide that attention and time as part of their rehabilitation.
3. Through this experience, many juvenile offenders find purpose and emotion in their lives.
4. Investment in anyone’s life is important, be it a juvenile offender or the disabled or ‘normal’ youth.