ShaRhonda Knott-Dawson
RECENT POSTS
Posted June 3, 2019
Do We Have to Call in the National Guard to Protect the Civil Rights of Students With Disabilities?
The question must be asked: What do we have to do to get school districts to follow the law and…
Posted May 22, 2019
Democrats Won’t Dictate Where My Black Children Go to School
“What you not gone do…”—An African American proverb Last week, Democrats for Education Reform released polling data that show what…
Posted Apr. 29, 2019
My Child With Autism Doesn’t Need or Want Your Pity
After attending an informational session for families about autism, Asperger’s and the difficulties of navigating being disabled and supporting your…
Posted Apr. 2, 2019
I’m So Focused on What My Daughter With Autism Needs That I Sometimes Forget About Her Wants
When I realized my younger daughter was disabled, my belief in what was possible for her life changed. As her…
Posted Mar. 28, 2019
With the Right Team of Adults Behind Her, My Autistic Child Is Killing It at School
Nationwide, health coverage for autism-related services is seriously lacking. In my home state of Illinois, advocates are pushing newly elected…
Posted Mar. 22, 2019
Women’s History Month Is a Time for Young Girls to See Themselves
March is Women’s History Month. For those of us who are history buffs and/or have the job of teaching history,…
Posted Mar. 5, 2019
Even as a Disability Advocate I Still Did Everything Wrong When My Daughter Was Diagnosed With Autism
November 6, 2018, is the day my daughter was officially diagnosed with autism. That’s the day my world collapsed. For…
Posted Mar. 1, 2019
Too Many Black Students Aren’t Learning Their History in Schools
When I was in school, I was starved for information about who I really am. I ached to hear stories…
Posted Feb. 5, 2019
Forget the School-to-Prison Pipeline, For White Boys It’s the School-to-Politics Pipeline
Tonight, President Donald Trump will deliver his State of the Union address. Like many other U.S. citizens, I see our…
Posted Jan. 8, 2019
What ‘Surviving R. Kelly’ Means for My Black Daughters and the Schools They Attend
As the Black mother of two Black girls, I am always acutely aware of how Black girls are harmed in…
