Allen's Essay 'College For The Intellectually Disabled'

Education For the Intellectually Disabled Do intellectually disabled individuals have the ability to pursue an education like other college students? The essay “College For the Intellectually Disabled” by Charlotte Allen informs the reader about the dangers of an intellectually disabled student attending college. Allen illustrates the rigors that are involved in the numerous programs that are available for the disabled; throughout her essay, she provides both sides of the argument to clearly explain her claim. Students who wish to live the college lifestyle are able to through funded programs and volunteered mentor sessions. Tax revenue and government funds are added towards the programs, which allow them to remain active and ongoing. Allen uses comparisons and appeals to logic and emotion to show college education is harming intellectually disabled students. First off, Allen uses comparisons to show both sides of her argument and …show more content…
Throughout Allen’s essay, she includes a few anecdotes that show how mentally disabled individuals were struggling to achieve an education. She uses an appeal to emotion to show the opposing side of her point, because she eventually contradicts the anecdotes by discussing how the disabled students are creating a corrupt reputation. As Allen states, “Worst of all, the programs have generated a litigious entitlement mentality on the part of beneficiaries and their parents” (Allen 173). Using anecdotes to show what the students are going through and what they are saying really bring Allen’s essay to life; furthermore, she will give her logic as to why it would not work and what their attendance to college programs is doing. Allen’s readers may initially show empathy for the students, but once they continue to read through her essay, they will realize that intellectually disabled students should not be able to attend