Aside from the lack of basic needs such as food and shelter, the lack of social acceptance of any child can be devastating. Education and advocacy are the keys to ending social isolation that a child can feel within the home, school or community. Many times we forget that because we are in a home full of people or a classroom full of peers, a child can still feel alone. We as parents and teachers need to view our roles as advocates as well as educators. As described in the text, Education For All, pg.40, "The Principle of Normalization In Human Services" , W. Wolfensberger argued that "all individuals should be enabled to lead lives like ordinary people". This includes having the opportunities to make and maintain relationships with peers. The days of isolating children with exceptional learning needs is over. We, as special educators, have the huge task of monitoring both the educational progress as well as the social interactions within our classrooms. Just as academic tasks come easier to some than others, social interactions can be overwhelming to a ELN child. I have seen children avoided by students because they were apprehensive about the child's obvious disability. I have also seen that same child bullied by other students. This is an example where educating the entire class would have been appropriate. With access to the internet in most classrooms today, teacher's have the world of information at their fingertips. Videos such as "Jason McElwain Autistic Basketball Player" and "Autistic Jason McElwain Scores 20 Points In 4 Minutes" would have been an appropriate tool for any middle or high school classroom. The internet also has a wide variety of videos and interactive activities dealing with social acceptance and disabilities for younger children as well. In addition to basic instruction on disabilities, role playing, modeling appropriate interactions, study buddies or peer study groups are also examples of how the issue of social acceptance can be addressed in the classroom. Schools also have a multitude of extra curricular opportunities available to students. All students should be encouraged to get involved in a group that interests them. Being a member of a group is one way to feel involved and have peers to interact with. Parents too, need to be aware of the importance of social acceptance/integration within the home and community. It is very easy to get busy with doctors visits, OT appointments, PT appointments and the various other demands of day to day life for an ELN family, and overlook the social needs of a child. Again as educators and advocates, we have the duty to enlighten parents on this critical issue. This can be achieved through parent discussion groups at school, phone calls, notes or face to face contact. Many great programs are available in our valley such as Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, YWCA/YMCA programs, church youth groups, community sports leagues, special needs dance classes, public library activities and Special Olympics. In addition, Mill Creek Park offers a variety of educational programs for children to learn as well as interact with peers. Having three step-children on the Autism Spectrum, I have witnessed the emotional pain social isolation causes. I have felt frustrated and helpless listening to them describe every detail of their day without mentioning any friends or meaningful peer interaction. I am happy to say that they are in high school now and have an exceptional group of special educators who are true advocates for them. Life is much better now!
You mentioned some very important organizations that have programs for special students to participate in. I totally agree that parents are an important connection for non-disabled children to be sure that they have exposure to students who may be different. My mother-in-law has volunteered for a Learn-to-Skate program of the Special Olympics for upwards of 20 years. My husband and I made it a priority in our family to attend events with the organization as a way for our daughters learn that having differences happens in life but that understanding and acceptance is important. This gave us very teachable moments. I think as parents as well as educators we have a responsibility to expose students to those types of experiences so that we can teach them about acceptance.
ReplyDeleteThanks Kelly! I'm not familiar with that program but I will definitely look into it.
ReplyDeleteI also like how you mentioned many of the programs that are available in the area for students with exceptional learning needs. When you talked about the various appointments that the child needs, it can be daunting on the parents to find time for allowing their children have social interactions with other peers. When I was working in Kentucky at a speech clinic, over the summer they also had a program for the parents to enroll their children in that focused on social skills. I helped run some of the groups and I thought that it was interesting to see the different aspects that they focused on. Some of the things that we talked about were related to emotions and how to react in different situations. I think that this would be something to look into for parents in order for their children to have the basics of social interactions.
ReplyDeleteDianne,
ReplyDeleteAs, I think, the only non-Special Education teacher in the class, I would like to say "it ain't just the special education teachers who should be mindful." As we move into the era of more and more inclusion in our classrooms, even non-Special Ed teachers have to be aware of what they are doing to help support the ELN students in their classroom, educationally and, at least within the realm of the school, socially. There are, as you state, many opportunities, both in and out of school, where positive interaction can happen. We need to be at the forefront, all of us, to reach out and engage not only our students, but also parents, to let them know that we are all a part of the team. In these days of financial instability, where we tend to insulate ourselves against each other, we as teachers and administrators need to continue to reach out to ensure that all are included. Only then, I think, will we see true integration.