Blog Post #3 - Cassie Guerrieri

As an instruction specialist this topic hits home. I can see many benefits from inclusion in the classroom both academically and socially for individuals with special needs. While working with individuals with special needs it is important to consider that some of them have trouble socializing. When a child is in an inclusion class it allows them to interact with same age peers in situations that they may have not experienced. I recall a time when I was in my STEP experience and I had a group of young girls from grades 5-8 and they were talking about how one of the girls in their class said they liked their outfit when they worked in a group together. For some this may seem silly but it made the girl’s entire day. It was not just a time for her to be included in the classroom but to feel included as a girl in middle school. This young girl had the opportunity to be just that, a young girl in middle school, without a label.

I understand that schools are not all like my field placement, kids can be cruel as well but I think that exposing “typical” children to children with special needs at an early age will help them be more accepting. There are some times when a child is cruel because they personally are uncomfortable or unfamiliar with a certain diagnosis. The earlier we introduce inclusion in the classroom the less of a barrier these children will have to fight through. As for inclusion within society, it allows special needs individuals to be exposed to what appropriate behavior is, or what behavior is expected in public. It allows individuals to act like peer role models for those with special needs.

There are a few times that I believe inclusion would not work and those times would be if it is not the best environment for the child. It is our duty to fight to make sure that the child is in the perfect learning environment for him or her. I also feel that times inclusion would not work would be if the school is improperly staffed. It is unfair to not only special needs children but “typical” students if a classroom is understaffed or improperly staffed. It is providing a disservice to all of the children. One cannot expect a child to learn in an atmosphere in which is not applicable.

I think the socialization of children with special needs and those who are “typical” is quite crucial for both group of individuals. It helps teach what is acceptable behavior by providing positive examples in the classroom and the community. At the Rich Center for Autism, we have a Peer Buddy program during the summer in which typical peers come in to the center and provide an example of acceptable/appropriate behavior. At the end of the summer session, one is able to see the progress the children had made. It may be quite tiny but for them it is a large step. The peers also learn a great deal about patience and the importance of kind words. It is such a rewarding program to be a part of because it shows that even these children are not receiving full school inclusion they are still receiving love and learning from typical peers.