As someone who has been fortunate enough to work with students with ELN since I was in high school, I have many thoughts on this topic. When I was in high school I was able to volunteer at Fairhaven for their Special Olympics and that made a huge impact on me because I was able to see these individuals for all that they were, kids who were having fun. I feel as though if we want to promote the social integration of individuals with ELN we need to come up with various programs in which people of all ages get to spend time with those individuals. I know that more schools are trying to include students with ELN more and more in the extracurricular fields. It would be a great if the schools set up a program in which a typical peer could act as a guide/mentor to a student with ELN as additional support. This could not only act as a situation in which these students are able to have a social encounter but for both to have a greater understanding of each other. These moments can occur more often if we work hard at promoting these sort of programs.
If a child is in a classroom for a period then pulled into a resource room, other peers do not have much opportunity to get to know a child especially if they are with their aid throughout that time. It is our duty as educators to allow the children to have time to work on ice breakers or just various fun activities to allow these students to see that they are all the same, despite their learning levels. In the book, Education for All, it is said that,“academic and behavior outcomes for students with disabilities in a school that used inclusive delivery of services to one that used a pull-out or resource model and found that students in the inclusive setting performed significantly better on a number of indicators” (pg 81).
I recently watched the news in which an individual with autism won gold in the Paralympics this year. His new goal was to compete in the Olympics and his drive and desire proved that he would not stop until he would be there. His father spoke about how when he runs it was a way to escape his disability and he was just a kid. The club that he joined was for special needs individuals and this allowed him to meet individuals like himself and meet different “typical” individuals who run as well. His family did a wonderful job of making sure they gave him all of the opportunities a typical child would get and with that they allowed him to expand socially by putting him in “out there” and doing something that he loved.
The more we include kids in what they love and give them a chance to do what they love it helps them feel great and builds their confidence so that when we integrate everyone they are confident and ready to succeed.
I agree with you we should create social events where typical kids and their parents can interact with kids with disabilities and their parents. I think part of the fear of change is because some people may not know how to interact with one another. Everyone could teach something to one another by creating these events. This would also open up communication lines and support systems for all parents and kids.
ReplyDeleteI love your idea to have students be a guide/mentor to students with ELN. Having the students interact outside of the classroom in a less structured in environment would be a great way to build friendships and it would be beneficial to everyone involved to learn from each other. Volunteering at the Special Olympics sounds like it was a awesome and valuable experience.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea for a program. Typical children get that chance and are very open to mentors. Employers often give new employees such an opportunity. A face that you can...from the beginning you can recognize and use as a resource. Children with disabilities need that person,they can be the link to a "normal" school day. Utilizing students that teachers can nominate, we know them, the "leaders in the school", the athletes, the smart kids, the cool table. The program can be set up as setup like orientation for freshman. Nice thought!
ReplyDelete