Moderate/Severe Isolation in School

Am I wrong in feeling isolated as a moderate/severe special day class case manager?  Am I unique in my experience that to work with marginalized students is to be marginalized yourself?  I love the challenges that come with working with students that have moderate/severe challenges and their parents, but in the past ten years, I've frequently found myself isolated simply because my students are so different than the other students, even withing the special educational groups.  My students are 14-22, non-academic, destined for group homes or living at home.  Their medical and behavioral challenges make it difficult for them to have opportunities to be included.  How many staff meetings have I attended that are focused on API or common core standards that really have little to do with students that are just trying to survive another day?  It stings and hurts every time I go to a a meeting and someone says, "All students will go to college."  It is like a denial that my students even exist.  It took me years to realize that my students and I are different and most teachers and staff haven't a clue as to what we do or why we are even in the school. 

Over the past ten years, I've seen a lot of change at my school, not directly from any suggestions I've made, but from just being there and advocating for my students.  There is a lot to be said for sitting at a table that isn't exactly the most welcoming.  If you sit there long enough, others have no other choice but to acknowledge you and offer to pass you some of the food on the table.  

I wish that there were post academic programs to work with for students that have severe challenges and I wish there were more support for their families.  By writing and advocating, I have found that the class is not so isolated and that we receive more help and attention than if nothing was ever shared.  It is a tough job advocating for students without a voice, but it is only by doing so that they can have one.  One day at a time; one year at a time; one decade at a time and we make progress along the way.