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Hi, I agree it was frustrating to have to see the struggles that the parents and children were facing, as it was a reflection of what goes on in our world and it's difficult to understand how something so unfair could happen. I really hope that one day a change can be made in our world, and all children can receive equal opportunities in a fair and equal environment where every child is loved and supported no matter who they are.

-Jasmine Fonseca

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Hi Samantha, I agree with you about Emilio's parents, and I think it was so amazing to see how hard they fought for their child, and I could only help but think about how there are so many more parents in the world doing the same for their children. It was definitely heartbreaking to watch the struggles that they had to face, but I think it was a really great eye opener to see the difficulties they were facing and how they navigated it. It helped me to see first hand the struggled parents face that I didn't really think about.

-Jasmine Fonseca

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After watching the Forget Me Not documentary it really helped me open my eyes to understand the hardships that the parents of special needs children and what the children have to go through in their day to day life. It made me sad seeing how hard parents have to fight for their children to be able to be in an inclusive environment, because the school system and people don't see them as equals to their peers. When the mom spoke about how she thought her child was safe at daycare, but instead he was downstairs in a basement, it made me cry seeing how much pain was in the moms eyes and how to her her son was no different than the other children. I felt bad for the parents and how hard it is to see their children not get the same fairness as others. I believe that all children deserve to be given equal opportunities to learn and grow in a fair and just environment.

-Jasmine Fonseca

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Hi Bobby, I really appreciate your reflection on the film. I agree that "Forget Me Not" does a powerful job of building empathy and showing the realities many families face when seeking equality and inclusion. The scenes you mentioned were heartbreaking and frustrating, especially seeing how inequality affected the family in multiple ways. I can't even imagine what the mother of that baby being in the basement felt.

-sandra suarez

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Hi Carlos, I really agree with your perspective. The movie does a powerful job showing the everyday challenges families face and how far loving parents will go to support their child's future. This film also sends a strong message about perseverance and equal opportunity.

sandra suarez

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I’m sorry you and your children have gone through that. Your comment really shows how important inclusion and understanding are in schools and in public. I also agree that parents will always fight for and support their children no matter what.

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Hi Carlos ,

I agree with you. The film really showed how much love and strength the family had while fighting for their child’s education and equal treatment. It also reminded me how important it is to never give up and keep advocating for what is right.

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Yuri Esquivel - Forget Me Not Reflection 

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Yuri Esquivel - Forget Me Not Reflection 

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The documentary Forget Me Not deeply highlighted how ableism and discrimination can prevent children with disabilities from receiving the quality education and respect they deserve. I was especially moved by the family’s determination to fight through the New York school system to ensure their son was treated with dignity and humanity. The film showed how exhausting and emotional advocacy can be, but also how necessary it is to challenge unfair systems and demand equal opportunities for all students. It reminded me that education should be inclusive and supportive, and that every child deserves to feel valued, respected, and capable of succeeding.

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Hi Marcela,

Congratulations on your pregnancy! I agree with what you said because we aren't ready to receive new, we didn't expect so we stay in shock but just continue to live our lives and go with the flow, as I say. After all, we as moms always figure out a way to help our children and make sure they get the services they need.

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Hi Brenda, I totally agree with how the system sucks for special needs students. It's something I didn't realize wasn't the best until my kids got diagnosed with autism, and I myself got to see how we get pushed back.

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Watching this video had me so emotional. I, as a mom of two autistic children, have struggled to get the help my children need. They are always stereotyped and get faces made at them in public. If I got a penny for everytime i would get told stuff about my kids or to "Shut them up," I would be RICH. I've seen a lot of kids who don't understand autism and believe autism is who defines the child. I feel so similar to the parents in the video, not knowing how to react to a diagnosis but to accept it, because as a mom who wouldn't accept their baby. That is why inclusion is a huge part of school and should be implemented to be taught. Nowadays, it is not really seen. I'm also related to a mom about the speech questions asked and the questions she ask tot he speech pathologist because I went through the same thing as her, and it really hits home.

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Hi Marcela, i completely agree that some schools completey lack the necesarry resources to make all children feel welcome and comfortable. It s definitely a change that needs to be made across the country.

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Hi Maritza, I completely agree that some schools would rather prioritize themselves rather than changing things up for children with disabilities. Some school districts definitely need to do better.

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Watching the documentary Forget Me Not was definitely eye opening and brought more awareness to the struggles that many families are facing while struggling to provide an education for their children. Some parts were definitely hard to watch but the documentary did a great job at bringing attention to these injustices.

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Hi Ariana, I agree it is so unbelievable and sickening what can happen in school systems.

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Hi Carlos, I agree, it shows how much we need to advocate for those who can't.

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Watching the film 'Forget Me Not' was very heartbreaking, and it showed how important it is for every child to have access to a supportive and inclusive environment. The film was very powerful because it showed the struggles families face when trying to ensure their children are treated fairly, especially in school. Advocating for equal rights in education is absolutely necessary so all children can feel respected, included, and capable of success.

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After watching the documentary 'Forget Me Not,' I can realize the sad situation that children with disabilities often live in and how much is still lacking today to provide the necessary resources to make that change, as well as the importance of their educational inclusion and the need to understand why it is important. I believe that neither the resources, the information, the education, nor the necessary importance have been given to them. ...

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Congratulations on going to know how much love you you didn't know you had when you have your child. It's the most amazing feeling in the world. Like you said, "you love, support and grow with them no matter what." You are there biggest fan through the good and bad times. It's incredibly sad knowing people mistreat children key word children just because they don't meet the normal narrative. My rule in my classroom is treat them as one of my own kids, love, respect and high standards.

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My heart was broken to hear that as well that a child was put in a basement because being different. We all are different that is how God intended us to be or our world would be boring. People need to think of others and how they feel and not just be selfish and self centered.

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This film brought back emotions of sadness and happiness of my childhood. My mother worked in a group home of 10 women that ranged from mild to severe disabilities. My mother and her co-workers would try there best to have these woman experience real experiences like shopping at malls, eating at popular restaurants and experience fun activities like bowling, movie theaters and vacation getaways. There were other homes that they would plan dances and holiday celebrations since many of their families neglected them. Even though they were adults there mentality where child like and I was between the age 5-13 yrs old when my mother worked there. I would invite them to my birthday parties because they were like family and brought me joy to be around. The fact that many of them didn't have family brought me sadness because they just wanted to bem accepted, acknowledged and loved. They didn't ask to brought in this world and God created every one us. We're all human, and we all deserve fair treatment.

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Hello Casey, I enjoyed reading your reflection and agree with you on how ableism is such a big issue in 2026. It made me so frustrated to see how much the NYC DOE was pushing back on the parent’s expectations and request for inclusive practices for Emilio. I especially felt angry to see how many more stories were out there with families and students that have faced similar battles. I hope to continue to keep learning and advocating for our students with disabilites and progress to more inclusive classrooms.

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Hello Amy, thank you for your comments on the film. I feel frustrated for the experience that this family experienced in the NYC segregated school system with children with disabilities. I reflected on how inclusive practices are so necessary to foster confidence and belonging in our students. Segregation in the school foster discrimination and othering for this community and it needs to change NOW! I am hopeful that we will move away from discriminatory practices and move towards schools that are inclusive to all.

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This is the first time I watched “Forget Me Not”, I am full of anger, sadness, joy and hope all at once. This documentary follows the journey of Emilio and his parents in navigating the NYC educational system in search of inclusive classrooms for their son. The humanity and vulnerability of the parents fight for inclusivity for their son was inspiring. This film brought me hope that things will change in our educational systems in this country. By taking a class on anti-bias, equity and inclusive practices, we as students and future or current educators are starting that change by challenging ideas and practices that have and continue to alienate our marginalized communities.

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Maritza Garcia Response to Joseph Jimenez 

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Maritza Garcia Response to Joseph Jimenez 

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I also agree with you that they deserve the most respect because they never gave up and I don't even want to think about how many parents did not have the support or money to keep on fighting. Which is why everyone should have equal opportunities in school like you had mentioned.

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Maritza Garcia Response to Casey Carillo

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Maritza Garcia Response to Casey Carillo

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I agree with you that the film really showed the struggles the parents did to face the injustices of the education system. It also made me reflect on how we are now learning on how to make things better.

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The movie really showed how hard it is for parents that have children with down syndrome to find a place that is inclusive. I saw a pattern that whenever some schools let a child with disabilities into their school and then they have to change something they decide to move the child with down syndrome somewhere else. I also liked to see that parents supported each other on their journey to get the best education for their children.

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That line really hit me too, you can feel how much she believes in her son. I like how you brought in Dr. Asa G. Hilliard III because it connects perfectly to the idea that every child has potential if they’re given the right support. It shows the problem isn’t the kids, it’s the system not giving them fair opportunities. Her perspective as both a mom and a teacher makes what she’s saying even stronger.

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Joseph Jimenez Response to Marcela Angeles. 

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Joseph Jimenez Response to Marcela Angeles. 

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I really felt what you said, especially with you about to become a mom. You’re right, no one is ever fully ready for news like that, but the love you have for your child is what carries you through everything. I like how you connected it to supporting and growing with your child no matter what. That mindset matters a lot and makes a big difference. Wishing you the best with everything ahead :)

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Joseph Jimenez - Fighting For Equal Education 

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Joseph Jimenez - Fighting For Equal Education 

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Watching Forget Me Not really hit me on a personal level. Seeing the family go through so much just to get their son treated fairly made me realize how difficult the system can be for students with disabilities. I respected how they never gave up, even when things felt stacked against them. It made me think more about how important it is to speak up and support others when they are being treated unfairly. Everyone deserves to feel respected and have equal opportunities in school.

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I completely agree how exhausting and unfair it can be for families to have to fight for something as basic as equal access in our education system. I really like how you mentioned how important it is to advocate for inclusion, even if it comes from the families and not the educators. This was my first time watching this film too and it was surprising to see how education systems, the one's who are supposed to help children, can create barriers for children with disabilities. I will show my family and friends as well!

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I really liked how you worded your reflection, as it is a very straight forward summary of the film. I like how you mentioned in your last sentence of thinking about how we can help make education much more fair for everyone. I also didn't realize ableism is still a big problem in schools and why it's important to stand up for equal rights amongst children in the education system.

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I can feel the emotion in what you shared. It is heartbreaking to think that parents trust childcare environments to be safe and nurturing, yet situations like the one you described show that this is not always the reality. Hearing about a young child being treated that way is upsetting, and I understand why it made you emotional and reflect on your own family. Your response highlights something important, how easily we assume children will be cared for properly, and how shocking it is when that trust is broken. It shows how important the film is in making us put ourselves in those situations and think about how we would feel if it were someone we love. I agree with you that it is incredibly sad to see what these families had to go through. It reminds us why advocating for inclusion, proper care, and accountability in early childhood settings is so important. Children deserve to feel safe, valued, and respected at all times, and stories like this push us to be more aware and speak up when something is not right.

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The documentary Forget Me Not helped me open my eyes to the constant struggles children with disabilities face in an education setting. I never realized how difficult being separated from other children is for children with disabilities. Seeing Emilio not having equal opportunities as the other children in the school shows how unfair the education system is. This documentary shows how important inclusion is at school, as it builds confidence, understanding, and a sense of belonging. The argument here is how schools need to change so all children feel welcome and supported, not separated. After watching the film, it left me feeling frustrated, just like the parents, as I too want inclusion in children's classrooms.

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I really appreciate your reflection because it highlights both the challenges and the strengths of families in a real way. I agree that the film does an important job of opening our eyes to the everyday struggles many families face, when it comes to making sure their children have equal access to education. What stood out to me in your response is how you emphasized the role of a loving family, how they keep pushing forward no matter what. That persistence and dedication really show how much parents are willing to sacrifice to give their children better opportunities. I like how you pointed out the idea of never giving up. That message feels important because it reminds us that even in difficult situations, there is still hope and possibility. Your reflection made me think more about how important it is for educators and communities to support families, they do not have to face these challenges alone. Your thoughts really capture both the emotional impact of the film and the bigger message about equity and perseverance.

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Watching Forget Me Not really opened my eyes to how exhausting and emotional it can be for families to simply fight for what should already be a basic right equal access to education. The family’s determination to advocate for their son showed so much strength, especially in a system that often overlooks children with disabilities. It made me reflect on how important it is to challenge ableism and speak up, even when it feels uncomfortable. The film reminded me that dignity, respect, and inclusion are not optional they should be guaranteed for every child.

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One aspect that resonated with me was the birth of a baby with Down syndrome because I believe that none of us are ready as parents to receive such news. However, through love, we learn to live and learn. This resonated with me because I am about to become a mom in a few months, and there are so many emotions and feelings, and no matter what our children are like, we love them and are here to support them and grow with them.

One aspect that resonated with me was the birth of a baby with Down syndrome because I believe that none of us are ready as parents to receive such news. However, through love, we learn to live and learn. This resonated with me because I am about to become a mom in a few months, and there are so many emotions and feelings, and no matter what our children are like, we love them and are here to support them and grow with them.

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Hello Amanda,

I believe we all agree with about how heart breaking it is. The school system needs to be more adaptive to everything going on and change as everything else. So all child can have an education and not be discriminated against.

-Carlos M.

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That quote stood out to me too. It really shows how much belief and opportunity can shape a child’s future. I like how you connected it to Dr. Asa G. Hilliard III, because it reinforces the idea that every child has potential, but the system doesn’t always support that. Emilio’s mom’s perspective is powerful since she sees both sides, as a parent and an educator. You’re right that the system can fail kids when it’s not willing to adapt, which is why advocacy and support are so important. It really comes down to making sure every student gets a fair chance to succeed.

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It was very eye opening and very sad what they go through. Makes you wish it was easy to do things like that to make it better foe every child. Makes you see certain things in a different light.

-Carlos M

Response to red post

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Melody Chavez-response to Casey Carrillo

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Melody Chavez-response to Casey Carrillo

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Hello Casey, yes to me it was also very frustrating to see how even schools can portray so much unfairness. It really is sad for those kids whose reality is this or for all of the children and families who never spoke up. I think it is so important to advocate for our future students because there could be so much going on in the background that something as enraging like this happens right under our nose and it can be overlooked so easily. We need to stay vigilant and advocate for equality everywhere not just the classroom.

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Hi Noemi, I really liked how you connected the film to your own family. It makes everything feel a lot more real. Hearing about your cousin’s experience with Aiden shows that this isn’t just something in a documentary; it actually happens to people we know. I also agree that Kim Williams’ story was heartbreaking, especially knowing her son was separated like that. It really shows how serious ableism can be in schools. You made a good point about advocacy, too, because it’s not just about fairness; it’s about making sure every kid feels included and valued.

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Melody Chavez -response to Marcela Angeles

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Melody Chavez -response to Marcela Angeles

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Hello Marcela, and congratulations on your baby. I completely understood you when you were talking about how many emotions are involved even when the baby isn't even born. I know that receiving news about having a child with down syndrome would be very overwhelming for first time parents. I have two kids myself and believe me those emotions only get heightened. We want the best for our children so why not advocate for them and fight for equality if our children are not being treated equally.

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After watching the movie, it really opens your eyes to all the struggles and difficulties they face on a daily basis. That a loving family will always try their best for their child no matter what so they can have a fighting chance to earn the same education as others. While providing everyone with never giving up so we can all learn from this that anything is possible.

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Film: Forget Me Not

Watching Forget Me Not made me realize how hard it can be for families to get equal education for kids with disabilities. The family kept pushing the school system, which showed how much effort it takes just to be treated fairly. It was honestly frustrating to see how ableism can still be a big problem in schools. The film made me think about why it’s important to stand up for equal rights in education. Overall, it made me think about how I can help make things more fair for everyone.

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Response:

This was my first time watching "Forget me Not," but it really showcased how exhausting and unfair it can be for families to have to fight for something as simple as equal access to education. I definitely saw how the systems that are supposed to help support children can create barriers like what we were discussing in class about ableism. Even just the lack of understanding made me reflect on how important it is to advocate for inclusion even if it comes from the family and not the educators. Overall, I really liked the film and I plan to share it too with my family and friends.

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Agreed, adaptations should be made so that all children have the same opportunities for inclusion. There shouldn't be a struggle to define something like this; everyone should have the same opportunities.

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I share your feelings about when their baby was put in the basement because they considered him different. It's overwhelming how they could do that to a baby who should have had the same opportunities, and as a father, what powerlessness and pain to arrive at that place and find him like that.

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One aspect that resonated with me was the birth of a baby with Down syndrome because I believe that none of us are ready as parents to receive such news. However, through love, we learn to live and learn. This resonated with me because I am about to become a mom in a few months, and there are so many emotions and feelings, and no matter what our children are like, we love them and are here to support them and grow with them.

One aspect that resonated with me was the birth of a baby with Down syndrome because I believe that none of us are ready as parents to receive such news. However, through love, we learn to live and learn. This resonated with me because I am about to become a mom in a few months, and there are so many emotions and feelings, and no matter what our children are like, we love them and are here to support them and grow with them.

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One aspect that resonated with me was the birth of a baby with Down syndrome because I believe that none of us are ready as parents to receive such news. However, through love, we learn to live and learn. This resonated with me because I am about to become a mom in a few months, and there are so many emotions and feelings, and no matter what our children are like, we love them and are here to support them and grow with them.

One aspect that resonated with me was the birth of a baby with Down syndrome because I believe that none of us are ready as parents to receive such news. However, through love, we learn to live and learn. This resonated with me because I am about to become a mom in a few months, and there are so many emotions and feelings, and no matter what our children are like, we love them and are here to support them and grow with them.

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Hi Amy! I also felt very taken aback witnessing the segregation in the documentary. How can these schools and districts get away with this segregation in this day and age? This documentary was only released 4 years ago. Despite the strides we have made as a country in the past few decades, there is still so much work to be done! I could not imagine the pain the women felt seeing her child be banished to a basement like he isn't a human being. I feel like it isn't enough for those of us who are trying to do the good work; we have to actively fight against the exclusion, segregation, and prejudice that still runs rampant in this country and the world.

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Hi Bertha! I agree, watching Oliver and Hilda fight for what they believed was the best for Emilio was inspiring. I work in a district where I see changes of placement happen often so children who are receiving special education services are placed in the appropriate setting. I see my fair share of involved parents, but there are also a handful of parents who are not involved at all and it is such a disservice to their children because a lack of response from parents delays their services or placement changes.

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One line from the documentary really stuck with me; it came from Emilio's mom: "I know, deep inside of me, that he is going to do everything, he just needs to be given the opportunity." This takes me back to our discussion on Dr. Asa G. Hilliard III. All children are geniuses, we just need to support them and give them the tools they need to show us what they're capable of. Emilio's mom, as a special education teacher, may know better than most since she has firsthand experience, that kids of all abilities and disabilities, can do it all given the chance to do it. She also sees how children of all walks of life can be failed by a system that is not prepared or willing to do the work to give those opportunities. It is our job to give them those opportunities, with a level playing field, by providing the services and support needed.

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Hi Andrea,

I really like how you mentioned inclusion helps everyone not just the kid with disability, I think that is very true. In the film there was a part where they showed an inclusion school and it showed how all children embraced each others differences and were supportive. There was a part where a little girl mentioned how her friend couldn't talk, so they would sign to him to communicate. Having young children learn ASL just to make their friend feel included, that was a heartwarming moment.

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Hi Danna, I as well was shocked to see the amount of discrimination children with disabilities have had to face. I feel as parents in general already go through so much raising their children and to have the educational system only complicate their situation even more must be draining. I am also glad Emilio's parents advocated for Emilio and were able to document it to bring some awareness to others.

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Peer Response #2 to Savannah Maldonado's Post

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Peer Response #2 to Savannah Maldonado's Post

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Hello Savannah! One of the points you made that I would like to highlight is the fact that families shouldn't be going to this large of an extent in order to assure themselves that their children will be treated in an equitable way in a childcare setting. This reflects on the systematic failure of the educational system that causes parents to have to put in extra effort to ensure children with disabilities are treated in a fair manner. Moving on, I really agree with how heartbreaking it was to see Emilio's parents simply wanting the best outcomes for him. I wanted to add to this and mention how his mom constantly repeated that she hoped that one day Emilio would have the same opportunities as others. Through which actions do you believe we could take a step closer towards inclusion? Great post!

- Amy Suarez

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The film Forget Me Not was very heartbreaking and also an eye opener. It is very sad to see this documentary was only filmed about 7 years ago. To hear stories about parents having to advocate for their children and go the extra mile just to have their children receive a fair education is mind blowing. As a mother I felt the pain in Emilio's mothers' words when she mentioned how everyone would see her child "different" but to her that was her baby, there was no indifferency in her eyes. That is basic humanity. The mother who mentioned how her 6-month-old son would be secluded in the basement because he looked different from the rest of the children in the day care, it was very infuriating. I admire the strength of each and every parent from the video who advocated for their child's rights. There are many parents who are not well informed about the opportunities or the rights a child with disabilities has. Although there has been progress, I feel as if there isn't enough awareness on the matter. Prior to this video I wasn't fully aware of the injustice children with disabilities have had to face.

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Hello Avery! I would like to say that I also view these families and children as resilient individuals who are overcoming failures in the educational system and even inspiring reform. The fact that they have to put in so much more effort to ensure their children are being offered an equitable education, in my opinion, is completely unfair. Families should be able to choose an institution and be assured that just because their children have a disability, it won't act as a barrier for them and they won't be treated as inferior or incapable. After viewing this documentary, I can totally see why you felt emotional because I did as well. Has this documentary inspired you to seek out reform in the future in regards to ableism? Great post!

-Amy Suarez

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The film "Forget Me Not” opened my eyes to the horrific reality that many kids with disabilities have to face along with their families due to ableism, such as Emilio and his parents, who embark on the journey of finding an educational setting that will meet his needs. This documentary taught me why ableism and inclusion are something we must address in childcare settings since they are absolutely a reality that many children are impacted by. In the documentary, there were scenes where I saw the effects of segregation between the general public and kids with disabilities, especially in New York City, which has a separate district, District 75, for students who have an IEP. On one account, a woman interviewed gave a personal account of being called into her son's childcare, where she found him being kept in a basement, which led to her realization that she may perceive her child as capable, but others see children with disabilities as a burden that have to be separated because they are different. Many educational settings continue to have systems where kids never interact or even see each other, which over time fosters discrimination that needs to change if we want to move forward and improve student outcomes through inclusive settings.

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I really liked how you pointed out the message at the end of the documentary, I felt like it was very important and meaningful to be in the documentary. Emilio's parents showed so much strength and determination and it really highlighted how much advocacy is still needed in tru inclusion. Your reflection brought alot of attention to me and how some schools may say they are inclusive but dont always follow through in practice. Its also amazing that you connected the film to your future and how you plan to advocate for inclusive education yourself.

Avery Monson

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I agree that support and inclusion should be the default, not something families have to fight for. Emilio's story shows how important accommodations are, but also how unfair the system can be. I also think Wesleys story was truly upsetting, along with the experiences of the other children in the documentary. Schools should be a safe place and supportive environments for all students, especially those with disabilities.

Avery Monson

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After watching the documentary "Forget Me Not" I was really struck on how it showed the determination of students with disabilities fighting to be included in higher education. Even though they face so many barriers because the world viewed them as "different", their persistence made me realize how important access and support systems are in helping all students succeed. I felt really emotional especially in the beginning when Wesley was taken out of his classroom and moved to a basement simply because he had Down syndrome. The film really showed me on how important it is to continue and to never stop fighting for equal rights in education so everyone has an fair chance to reach goals, regardless of ability.

Avery Monson

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Response to Savannah Maldonado's Reflection

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Response to Savannah Maldonado's Reflection

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Hi Savannah,

It was great to read your perspective on the film. Similar to you, I am disappointed at the fact that after many parents, like the Berniers, have been fighting for equal education, it is still not the norm everywhere. Although it is not the norm just quite everywhere, with all the advocating happening, some schools are becoming fully inclusive, and that just brings me pure joy knowing all children will be getting equal education.

Bertha Romero

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Hi Andrea,

Similar to what you said, you would think that equal education is simple, but after watching this film, you realize it is not. I also caught how inclusion benefits everyone, not just the child with a disability. It was great to read about your thoughts on this film, and similar to you, the film was very touching.

Bertha Romero

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Watching the film 'Forget Me Not' has deeply impacted me. It was inspiring to see how Emilio's parents never gave up despite being told the same answers they disapproved of. Seeing the way Oliver and Hilda were constantly trying to fight for equal education for their child is really an eye opener to how 'inclusive' some schools are. Towards the end of the film, there is a message that reads "Request that your children be placed in an inclusive setting, whether they have a disability or not," and that truly stuck with me and is something I plan on doing with my future children.

Bertha Romero

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I work with disabled kids, so I see first hand how some parents advocate for their kids. The whole reason I get to work in the school with one of my kiddos is because of a badass parent fighting to get their kid the accommodations they need. However, I want the education system to be fixed so that parents don’t have to advocate for aides for their kids. It took a month and a half for my kiddo’s parents to get me with their child at the school of their choice, when accommodations should be a normal part of education. As someone planning on working with disabled kids for the long haul, I am constantly working to learn about anti-ableism and hope that one day, every kid who needs extra accommodations can get them without a struggle.

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I agree, this was an especially emotional watch for people who have personal connections to those with disabilities. I work with kids with autism, developmental disabilities, and intellectual disabilities. While watching, I kept imagining one of my kiddos in that place and it makes me feel ill. All children deserve safe, accommodating spaces to learn, and I’ve seen first hand how kids with disabilities are treated as lesser or problems. I am dedicated to advocating for the disabled children I work with, while hoping that one day my job isn’t needed since the education system with have special accommodations for disabled children as a typical part of the school system.

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This film emphasizes the importance of having strong support for disabled children on the classrooms. Emilio’s family had to fight hard and advocate for him to get the support and accommodations he needed to learn, which shouldn’t have to be necessary for kids to receive proper inclusive education. As shown in the documentary, children at Willowbrook faced extreme discrimination and abuse, which should not be featured in the classroom. Instead of facing discrimination and prejudice, all children should receive the accommodations they need to thrive, no matter their ability or disability. I am grateful that parents like the Berniers are there to advocate for their children, but I am heartbroken that advocacy needs to happen, instead of inclusion and support being the default.

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Hi Janay, I agree with you, some improvement has occurred to include all children in the classroom and to give them equal opportunities to succeed, but there is still a lot of work to be done. This documentary was filmed during the pandemic so it's fairly recent, I'm glad so many families are advocating for their children and exposing the system!

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Response to Aileen Arias by Andrea Guzman

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Response to Aileen Arias by Andrea Guzman

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Hi Aileen,

I really liked how you pointed out the parents' strength and determination, it was truly one of the strongest parts of the movie. It's really frustrating that families have to struggle so much just to get a fair education, and it highlights how much ableism is rooted in the system. I totally see your point about teachers needing to step up. Inclusion isn't something we should think about doing sometimes; it should just be how we do things all the time. Your response shows how crucial it is for us, as future teachers, to build classrooms where every student feels appreciated and backed up.

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Hi Maddie,

It is heartbreaking that so many families must fight so hard to get the support and inclusion their children deserve in school. I agree that parents and families play a huge role in making sure children’s educational needs are recognized and supported. I was surprised that New York ranks high in segregation of children with disabilities, but I am glad that so many people are fighting for equity in schools, they are making a difference and changing how the system treats children with disabilities.

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Response to Jimena Flores by Andrea Guzman

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Response to Jimena Flores by Andrea Guzman

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Hi Jimena,

I completely see what you mean about how intense it was to watch families struggle for something that should just be a given. It’s extremely irritating that inclusion isn’t just given. Parents have to keep fighting for their kids to get the chances they deserve. I like that you pointed out how people who don’t know much about disabilities might not get these challenges, because the film really helps show that clearly. It really highlights how crucial it is for teachers to stay informed and help with inclusion, so families don’t have to struggle so much.

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Andrea Guzman "Forget Me Not" reflection 

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Andrea Guzman "Forget Me Not" reflection 

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The documentary Forget Me Not: Inclusion in the Classroom showed me just how tough it is for families to fight for something as simple as equal education. It was really touching to see how much Emilio’s family had to fight just to make sure he was included and treated with respect. The movie showed me that ableism is still a problem in schools and it really holds back students with disabilities from getting opportunities. What really caught my attention was how inclusion helps everyone, not just the kid with a disability.

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As a parent of a child in special education, this film was hard to watch, but it was also very informative and gave me a new perspective on my own situation and a deeper understanding of how important inclusion really is. I felt a lot of emotions while watching Emilio’s parents go through the IEP referral process because just a few months ago, I went through that same process. Their experience made me reflect on the many decisions I have made, and will continue to make, regarding my child’s education and how he may be perceived by others. This documentary reminded me how important it is to advocate for dignity, respect, and equal opportunities for every child.

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Hi Ariana,

I love the image you included in your post. Like you I was shocked to hear New York had a separate district for children with disabilities. I’m sad and greatly disappointed to know that it is legal. Hopefully there are advocates out there in those arenas working on making that illegal. It's refreshing that this awareness is being brought to light, so more like us already in education can increase those advocacy numbers as you’ve expressed is your intent going forward. Thank you.

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Response to Jimena Flores by Bianca Cobb

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Response to Jimena Flores by Bianca Cobb

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Hi Jimena

I appreciated your statement that people who do not have a child with special needs or are not in education do not understand the struggles to have basic rights. I think that is an important thought for us all to just stop and reflect on. Even if you educate children of special needs you are not the parent. It is different. Stop, take time to utilize parent input, feelings, and experiences to make you a better special education advocate for change when needed.

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Wow, so many emotions as I watched this documentary. It was eye opening to see this parent who is a teacher and familiar with the education system struggle to get services for her child. It made me have extra empathy for all the parents without the advantage of being educators.. It impacted how I will engage with parents going forward. Sometimes we as educators take for granted all the details we do know about the education system because it’s routine for us that are brand new concepts for our parents. In addition, it reminded me to regularly examine the “system” to ensure it’s still equitable for all, because equity can change over time. What worked before may not work anymore, so be an activist for change.

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watching the document that emilio was able to meet so much expectations with his family that the observer was asking of him and not really giving Emilio more than 2 seconds to answer just broke my heart. My 5 year old daughter is very shy and gets overwhelmed when someone especially strangers that dont have a relationship with her test her once and go based off of just that one day, just off of those two seconds that they allowed her and in this document Emilio. I believe that whenever children are being evaluated they should be given the time and care that they need instead of "touch the red bear" ... "writing" "okay now do this". -sandra suarez

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Response to Avigail - Response By: Fabian Esparza

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Response to Avigail - Response By: Fabian Esparza

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Hi Avigail! I like your response and how you give multiple examples from the film like district 75 and Aiden's dad. Your experience with working in school districts is something that makes your reflection stand out from the others. Great post and thanks for sharing your perspective!

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Response to Adriana Hernandez - By: Fabian Esparza

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Response to Adriana Hernandez - By: Fabian Esparza

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Hi Adriana! I agree with you that the film shows the importance of treating every child fair even if they have a disability or different background. I believe all schools should give equal rights to children when it comes to education. We should all have the opportunity to learn and grow regardless of how different students may be. Great Post!

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Hi Eva, I like how you mentioned both the frustration and inspiration shown in the film. You made a great point that every child deserves respect and equal access to education.

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Hi Jimena, I like how you pointed out the struggles families face when trying to get equal education for their children. You made a strong point that many people do not realize how much advocacy parents have to do just for basic rights.

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Watching Forget Me Not was emotional and eye opening because it showed how some families have to fight for opportunities that every child should already have, especially a fair education. I admired the parents strength, patience, and determination to make sure their son was treated with dignity and respect. The film also highlighted how ableism and discrimination can create unfair barriers for children with disabilities. It reminded me that schools and educators have an important responsibility to create inclusive spaces where every child feels valued and supported.

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It is hard to imagine that one meeting or evaluation determines the child's future in the classroom. I have zero experience with the evaluation process for children under age 4, but it did appear that one meeting filled with evaluations was used to decide Emilio's accommodations. I will say that in the K-12 setting, I have had to submit many test scores along with all of the interventions I have used in the classroom to help the IEP team make a decision. Parent comments and background information along with SPED evaluations and observations from the school psychologist were used to make recommendations.

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Hi Jimena,

As I watched the documentary, I was impressed with the parents advocating for their children. I watched as Emilio's mom, a special education teacher, used her knowledge to advocate for her child. But at the same time, she was running into hurdles as many other parents face, without her background knowledge. Now, I understand why some parents hire advocates to join them in the IEP meetings. I have seen advocates help parents navigate the IEP process and help secure better accommodations for their children.

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Forget Me Not documentary-Avigail Heilmann

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Forget Me Not documentary-Avigail Heilmann

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One scene that stood out to me was when Aiden’s dad shared that Aiden was going to be moved to a school in a different school district because his middle school did not want him attending their school.  Another scene that stood out to me was the discussion of District 75 in New York City; students with IEPs are forced to attend these schools and to use separate doors in the same building and are excluded from lunch and other classes from their non-disabled peers.  I have worked for several school districts where I had students with severe disabilities in my general ed. class.  I was under the impression that due to the IDEA Act, all students were to be placed in the least restrictive environment.  As I watched Emilio’s parents advocate at the IEP meetings, it took me back to sitting in many IEP meetings with parents advocating for their children.  This documentary allowed me to view the IEP process through the parents’ perspective versus the educator’s perspective.

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Emilio’s parents were so brave for advocating for him and his education. I agree with you, this film opened my eyes on how ableism is still happening in schools. This film encourages me more to continue pursuing education in order to make a change.

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When watching the "Forget Me Not," I had mixed emotions about the struggles these families faced with segregation from the schools. I was impressed on how families have to advocate for their children’s education, when education needs to be accessible to everyone without discrimination. This film made me realize of the many things people who have children with disabilities advocate for their child’s education and that is admirable. People who do not have a child with special needs or are not educated in this concept would not understand the struggles the have to go through in order to have basic rights.

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Hi Kristin, I appreciate your honesty in connecting the film to your own experiences in schools. It really shows how real and ongoing these challenges are. I also think your point about advocacy is important, especially in making sure students are treated with dignity and included. Your future role as an SLPA will definitely give you a strong position to support and speak up for your clients.

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Hi Casse, I appreciate how you pointed out the challenges families face when advocating for their children in an ableist system. Your reflection really highlights how important it is for schools to listen to families and prioritize what is best for the child. It’s powerful how you noticed the resistance from the administration and questioned those decisions. You made a strong point about how advocacy can expose deeper issues within the education system.

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What resonated with me most in the film was how strongly it showed the importance of treating every child fairly in education and making sure no one is left out because of their background or abilities. The characters and their experiences made it clear how much a supportive and inclusive environment can impact a student’s confidence and success. I also connected with the message about standing up for equal rights in schools because it shows that all students deserve the same opportunities to learn and grow. Overall, the film made me feel more aware of how important it is to advocate for fairness and inclusion in education.

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I really like how you pointed out the emotional impact of the film and the family’s determination. It’s powerful to see how their journey highlights the reality that many families face when navigating a system that isn’t always inclusive. Your reflection also made me think about how important it is to keep advocating, even when progress feels slow or difficult. It really shows that creating change in education requires persistence and collective effort.

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I really appreciate your reflection and how you highlighted the family’s persistence throughout the film. I agree that their determination was both inspiring and frustrating to watch, especially given how many obstacles they had to face just to secure basic rights. Your point about dignity and respect stood out to me as well, since it shows how education is not just about academics but about valuing every student as a human being. It definitely made me think more about the importance of advocating for inclusive and equitable systems.

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Watching Forget Me Not left a lasting impression on me, especially in how it highlighted the persistence required for families to secure equitable education for their children with disabilities. The family’s journey through the New York school system was both inspiring and frustrating, showing how systemic barriers can deny students the dignity and respect they deserve. I was particularly moved by their resilience and unwavering advocacy, which emphasized the importance of speaking up against ableism. The film reinforced for me that equal access to education is not just a policy issue, but a fundamental human right that requires collective awareness and action.

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Fabian, I really connected with your reflection, especially how you pointed out the inequalities families face when trying to get their children access to the education they deserve. I also felt frustrated seeing how hard families had to fight just to be heard and treated fairly by the school system. You made a strong point about our responsibility as educators to make sure all children, including those with disabilities, have equal access and support. Your post is a good reminder that we need to actively push for more inclusive and accessible education for every child.

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Response to Samantha C. - Daisy Irizarry

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Response to Samantha C. - Daisy Irizarry

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Samantha, I really connected with your post, especially your experience with having an IEP and your mom advocating for you. I agree with you that Forget Me Not shows how important it is to recognize every child’s dignity and potential. Your post also reminded me how much strong family advocacy matters in making sure children with disabilities get the support and respect they deserve.

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After watching the film "Forget Me Not" the film shows how inequalities can affect children with disabilities from receiving the education that they deserve. Something that stood out to me while watching the film was how different families had to fight to go against the system that would deny their child's access to the same respect and education as other children. What bothered me while watching the film was the barriers some education systems had on families being denied access to the same opportunities others have. As educators we have the responsibility to make education accessible to everyone including kids with down syndrome. We must actively push for change in accessibility that some children don't have

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Watching Forget Me Not made me feel emotional and really opened my eyes to the challenges families face. It was hard to see how professionals could make big decisions about a child based on just one meeting or evaluation, without truly knowing the child. I can only imagine how frustrating and painful it must feel for parents to hear others define their child’s abilities in such a limited way. The documentary also brings light to bigger issues like segregation and how children with disabilities are sometimes not given equal opportunities in school. This film showed me how ableism still affects children in education and reminded me that as an educator, I have a responsibility to create a classroom where every child feels valued, supported and included.

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Peer response to Concepcion - Daniella Jasso

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Peer response to Concepcion - Daniella Jasso

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Hi Concepcion! Watching this film, also had a profound impact on me. More specifically, it had me reflect on ways I can promote inclusivity through equitable and accessible practices in my future career. This documentary has encouraged me to conceptualize ways on how to be an effective advocate to children and families I will serve in the future. So that they may also recognize that their support system goes beyond their assigned advocates. Emilios', Wesley's, and Aiden's stories spotlight the extreme measures and efforts institutions will go to just to ensure that children with disabilities are placed in segregated settings. Whether that means orchestrating a child's removal by conducting evaluations without parental consent, sending a child to an outside district that's an hour away, or even going as far as disregarding a recommendation from an educator to keep a child in an integrated class. As you've noted, these stories provide insight into how deeply rooted these systemic obstacles are and how so many individuals are okay with accepting it for what it is. Thanks for sharing!

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Peer response to Casse Frisk - Daniella Jasso

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Peer response to Casse Frisk - Daniella Jasso

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Hi Casse, thanks for sharing your thoughts! You've pointed out so many great points in your response! I also feel as though the film brought a whole new perspective on the numerous challenges parents face when advocating for their child to learn in inclusive settings. I completely agree that IEP coordinating team seemed very fixed on only one "solution". Aside from not wanting to be filmed during one of their meetings, there was also the moment where they back peddled after having a conversation on the phone. Considering these instances and the fact that many educators consider New York city the number one city in the nation with the most segregated students (with over 60,000). In addition to Emilio's experience, Wesleys and his mothers story also reflects the many obstacles she encountered. Displaying vast amounts of determination and resilience, to ensure that Wesley would be able to experience an inclusive environment again!