Making History by Amy Gauthier

March is Women’s History Month. March 8th, which is the date I’m penning this article, is International Women’s Day. In honor of the women that have come before me, and those that will follow, I wanted to share a bit of local women’s history with you today.

 

Florence Marie Hansen Adair, special education crusader, 1908-1985

After her Down Syndrome child was denied access to public education, Adair appealed to the Kiwanis, who sponsored a program for underprivileged children. On Sept. 3, 1950, she delivered an impassioned speech to their membership:

“Our child is a United States citizen. He is a resident of the city of Albert Lea, and yet outside of our own family circle, kind friends and neighbors, he is not accepted. Rather, he is neglected, ignored or forgotten. There is no place in the public school system for him. The pity of it is, there truly is no place!

“But why shouldn’t there be a place for him and the many other children like him, right here in Albert Lea? In a democracy such as ours, he should have equal rights with other children. He is just like any other child; he laughs and plays, loves affection and reacts to abuse the same as other children. True, he cannot compete with normal children in reading, writing, and arithmetic, and he shouldn’t be expected to.

“What can he learn? He can learn right from wrong, good conduct from bad conduct, how to take his place in the world, how to do things with his hands that will be useful to himself and society — in other words, how to direct his energies toward worthwhile things rather than have no direction.

“We don’t ask the impossible for our child and others like him. All we want is for him to be accepted for who he is. How can he learn? Just like any other child, but in slow motion. Not only himself, but the community will benefit from his being taught.”

Five months later, under the sponsorship of the Kiwanis, and 24 years before all-inclusive special education became a federal mandate, a private school called the Alpha Class began in Albert Lea. As her son and his peers matured, Adair helped promote and expand public special education and an activity center for mentally challenged adults. As she had predicted, not only her son, but the entire community benefited from these programs.

Today, Albert Lea Area Schools continues to make dramatic gains in special education graduation rates. Since 2012, our special education graduation rate has doubled in the district, and at Albert Lea High School. Though our four-year graduation rates are down slightly this year for all students, our five-year graduation rate for ALHS students has risen to 93 percent.

Our community has also seen the success of organizations such as The Arc of Freeborn County, Cedar Valley Services and most recently Teen Scene. All programs designed to enrich the lives of our neighbors with special needs.

Women and girls are making history every day in Albert Lea, Freeborn County and around the world. Let’s celebrate our remarkable accomplishments!

Freeborn County Historical Society upcoming events:

Historically Speaking: The lecture series continues from 9 to 10:30 a.m. April 6 at the Freeborn County Historical Society. Stay tuned for details!

Taste of Heritage: Celebrating Albert Lea’s diverse heritage from 1 to 3 p.m. April 9 at Northbridge Mall. Free entertainment, displays of heritage food samples and children’s activities will be available.

Four-hour AARP defensive driving refresher classes: Available from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. April 14 and May 17.

Village Cleanup: A volunteer opportunity for the whole family from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 16.

“Hat’s Off to You” tea party: Wear your fanciest hats and join us for afternoon tea at the museum. We plan to have our own collection of hats on display for all to enjoy at 2 p.m. April 16.

Tour guide training: Join us and learn to be a volunteer tour guide for groups and events at the museum at 1 p.m. April 21.

Call 507-373-8003 for details or to register. Together, we can make history!

 

Amy Gauthier is the executive director of the Freeborn County Historical Museum, Library and Village, 1031 Bridge Ave.