​The Pleasanton Unified School District (PUSD) has been in the news recently due to a lawsuit filed by an ex-principal, alleging harassment and retaliation over a disability. The lawsuit has shed light on some of the challenges that educators face in the district and raises important questions about workplace culture and support for individuals with disabilities.

The ex-principal, who had worked for PUSD for over 33 years, alleges that she was subjected to harassment and retaliation after she disclosed her disability to her supervisor. She claims that she was denied accommodations and subjected to unfair treatment, including being removed from her position as principal and being demoted to a teacher. The lawsuit seeks damages for emotional distress, lost wages, and other types of damages.

The allegations in the lawsuit are concerning and highlight the importance of creating a workplace culture that is supportive of all individuals, including those with disabilities. Educators are often faced with high levels of stress and pressure, and it is essential that they are given the resources and support they need to perform their jobs effectively.
The PUSD has a responsibility to create an environment that is free from discrimination and harassment. This includes providing training to supervisors and employees on how to recognize and accommodate disabilities, as well as developing clear policies and procedures for addressing complaints of discrimination or retaliation.

As educators, should know that a positive workplace culture is essential for creating an effective learning environment. It is important that educators take steps to ensure that our colleagues are treated with respect and dignity with disabilities also, and work together to create an environment that is supportive of all individuals.

Conclusion:
The lawsuit filed by the ex-principal against PUSD is a reminder of the importance of creating a supportive workplace culture for educators. It is essential that all individuals are treated with respect and given the accommodations and support they need to perform their jobs effectively. As educators, we must work together to create a culture that is free from discrimination and harassment, and that values and supports all individuals.

Article was Publish April 20th, 2023
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The experience of high school years for students with reading and comprehension disabilities in the late 1990s and early millennium is vastly different from what students with disabilities face today. Back then, the support for students with disabilities was not as advanced as it is now. Schools would provide basic accommodations such as extra time on tests, handled spell checkers that were like calculator, but did not offer individualized instruction or support as much.

Students with reading and comprehension disabilities would often feel left behind in class and struggle to keep up with the curriculum. They would often feel embarrassed or ashamed of their disability, and it was not uncommon for them to be bullied or teased by other students.

Fast forward to the present day, and the experience of students with disabilities has significantly improved. With advances in technology and a greater understanding of disabilities, schools now offer a range of support services and accommodations to help students succeed.

In the article "Confronting the 'High School Cliff': What Young Adults with Disabilities Need to Succeed," the story of 17-year-old Gerald Mitchell with Autism is highlighted. His mother is concerned that he is not receiving the support he needs to graduate on time and is worried about his future prospects. She confronts the school to set him up for an independent, and good quality of life.
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This article underscores the importance of early intervention and the need for individualized support for students with disabilities. It also highlights the role of parents in advocating for their children's education and future prospects.

Conclusion:
The experience of high school for students with disabilities has changed significantly over the years. While there is still work to be done, the advances in technology and understanding of disabilities have resulted in greater support and accommodations for these students. The story of Gerald Mitchell reminds us of the importance of advocacy and the need for individualized support to ensure that all students have the opportunity to succeed.

​Article Published April 20th, 2021




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As someone who grew up with a learning disability, I know firsthand the challenges that come with trying to navigate a world that is not always designed with us in mind. Back in the late1980s, all of the 1990s, and early 2000s, when I was in school, technology was just starting to become a more of a essential part of our lives. But for someone like me, with a reading comprehension disability, it was often more frustrating than helpful, for example learning hot to type was changeling.

I remember struggling to keep up with my classmates as we worked on computers running Dos and Windows 95. The text on the screen would often too much for me to take in with being overwhelmed with words, making it difficult to read and comprehend. And while my classmates seemed to be effortlessly navigating the technology, I was left feeling like an outsider, like I didn't belong.

But today, I'm happy to see that companies like Comcast and The Arc are working to expand tech training and special education advocacy for people with disabilities. This Businesswire article highlights their efforts to create a more opportunities of advance technology aids accessible to the world, one where everyone has the chance to succeed.

As someone who has struggled with a learning disability, I know just how important it is to have access to resources and support. And I'm grateful to see companies like Comcast and The Arc stepping up to provide that support, to help people with disabilities like mine thrive in a world that can often feel daunting and overwhelming.
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Conclusion:
So if you're someone who is struggling with a learning disability, know that you're not alone. And thanks to efforts like those of Comcast and The Arc, you have a world of opportunities waiting for you. Keep pushing forward, keep working hard, and know that you have the strength and resilience to overcome any obstacle.

 Article Published April 11th, 2023

Article Contacts:
Jackie Dilworth
[email protected]
K. Kim Atterbury
[email protected]


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As someone who has experienced the challenges of having a learning disability, I was surprised to read about the recent Supreme Court decision that sided unanimously with a student with a disability in a special education case. This decision has the potential to provide countless other students with disabilities with the support and accommodations they need to succeed in school.

As someone who has struggled with reading comprehension, I know firsthand the benefits that special education services can provide. These services can range from individualized instruction to assistive technology and can make a world of difference in the lives of students with disabilities.

Without these services, many students with disabilities may struggle to keep up with their peers and may not reach their full potential. But with the right support, these students can thrive and succeed in school and beyond.

Conclusion:
I am grateful for the Supreme Court's decision to stand up for the rights of students with disabilities, and I hope that this decision will serve as a reminder of the importance of providing equal access to education for all individuals, regardless of their abilities. As someone who has personally benefited from special education services even thou it was a struggle. I can attest to the incredible impact that they can have. And I am hopeful that with continued advocacy and support, we can ensure that all students with disabilities have the resources they need to succeed in school and beyond.

The Article is on USA Today by John Fitze March 2023

As someone with a learning disability that affects my reading speed, I know firsthand the importance of assistive technology in helping me navigate the world around me. And as we enter 2023 and beyond, I am thrilled to see the advancements being made in disability tech that are truly game changers for individuals with disabilities.

From speech-to-text software to assistive robotics, these technologies are revolutionizing the way that disabled individuals interact with the world. They are enabling us to communicate more easily, access information more quickly, and perform tasks that we may have once thought were impossible.


For me personally, assistive technology has been a game changer in my academic and professional pursuits. Programs that read text out loud or changing over written words to audio have allowed me to keep up with my reading assignments and stay on top of my work. And I know that there are countless other individuals with disabilities who are benefiting from these types of technologies in their own lives.

Conclusion: 
Of course, there is still much work to be done to ensure that these technologies are accessible to all individuals who need them, regardless of their socioeconomic status or geographic location. But I am hopeful that as more and more people become aware of the importance of disability tech, we will see greater investment and innovation in this space. As someone who has seen firsthand the incredible impact that assistive technology can have, I am excited to see what the future holds for disability tech in 2023 and beyond.

The Article is on Forbes it by Laurel Donnellan 

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