Emotional Disturbance: How A Controversial IEP Designation Fails Black Boys

In New York City public schools, Black students are more than twice as likely to be classified as having an Emotional Disturbance when compared to their peers. This discussion with disability self-advocates and experts will break down the meaning, stigma and harm of this term, the systemic conditions that lead to this over-representation, how this classification can negatively impact the social and educational outcomes of Black students, and what educators and power brokers can do to encourage more equitable IEP implementation. Panelists: Kenya Martinez — Education Advocate, Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund Kim Kaiser — Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Families Together in New York State Timotheus Gordon, Jr. — Autistic Self-Advocate; Research Associate, Disability and Human Development, University of Chicago Illinois Moderated by: Heather Clarke, Abolitionist Educator & Disability Advocate