Mom Furious After School Separates Disabled Son During Chorus Performance
Cidalia Vitorino was thrilled to watch her son Camron Silva perform at his school’s holiday recital on Monday, but when she sat down to watch the performance, her excitement turned to anger. While the rest of his class was lined up on stage, Camron, 10, who has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair, was sitting on the floor to the side of the stage.
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Vitorino told The Mighty what happened to her son was “inexcusable,” adding, “I never in a million years would have thought they would do something like that to Cam. He has been on stage for other performances with his classmates before, so I’m not sure why they excluded him this time. I’m baffled by the entire situation.”
“My friends are in complete shock,” Vitorino said. “I have had friends call me crying because of this picture of Cam. He is so loved in our community. This should not have happened… ever! To him or any other student.”
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The Spencer Borden Elementary School has since issued an apology, and promised to make sure this doesn’t happen again.
The school’s statement from Principal Kate Cobb included:
I offer my sincere apology for our actions on Monday evening that did not meet the expectations of our collective commitment and ethical obligation to provide an inclusive learning environment for all Spencer Borden students.
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I offer my sincere apology for our actions on Monday evening that did not meet the expectations of our collective commitment and ethical obligation to provide an inclusive learning environment for all Spencer Borden students.
As a learning organization, it is important that we take time to learn from our mistakes in order to remedy or create new opportunities, procedures, and protocols. I have assessed our actions and have taken immediate steps to help ensure that all students and families experience an inclusive environment at Spencer Borden. Our Director of Fine Arts has communicated with all staff on the expectation of equal opportunities for all students to participate in all school activities and ensuring accessibility for all students. I am reviewing with staff the expectations for planning and communication in order to ensure all children receive necessary accommodations to participate fully with their peers. As a staff, we will participate in disability awareness and sensitivity training to further our commitment to an inclusive learning environment.
h/t Herald News
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(Photo: Cidalia Vitorino / Facebook)
