Neglect of educational potential, of those with disabilities, will come back to bite us! We are writing off half a million children, who have the potential to learn and access many forms of post-secondary education, in the next 2 years. We have little time and have drawn an arbitrary line in the sand declaring that those with disabilities do not have any more potential to learn. NBC Dateline’s “On The Brink”, noted that within the next two years approximately 500,000 teenagers with autism and significant functional limitations will turn 21 and age-out of access to a free appropriate public education. This will result in the influx of hundreds of thousands of non-functional and non-independe
WHAT IS INCLUSION? "Successful inclusion is measured by one’s level to appropriately participate and access their education." Marie Lewis, RN, PhD, BCEA Inclusion is not just placement in a regular education class. BEING INCLUDED: Has positive effect on achievement of individual goals Provides a satisfactory quality of life and actualization Creates a sense of meaning and purpose Means actively participating from a strengths model in day to day activities Includes all settings not just in regular education Is being a part of what everyone else is a part of Is being a valued and welcomed member of the community. Effects our cultural values Is having healthy relationships and friendships Incor
INCLUSION QUOTES "Inclusion is a process of identifying, understanding and breaking down barriers to participation and belonging." Early Childhood Forum (2003) At a time when the community is in need, one should not say, "I will go home and peace be to you," but rather one should participate in the alleviating the community's trouble. Pisikei Zutari Shalach 17 "Inclusion is a personal philosophy and a way of life." Onley Participates in Local Inclusion Celebration “Disability need not be an obstacle to success … It is my hope that … this century will mark a turning point for inclusion of people with disabilities in the lives of their societies.” Professor Stephen Hawking "Democracy demands t
PARENT IEP PREPARATION By Marie Lewis, RN, PhD, BCEA “Before anything else, preparation is the key to success." Alexander Graham Bell 1 - CONTINUE TO TALK WITH YOUR CHILD. What do they like or want to change? What do they like and dislike? What do they need. Listen to how they FEEL about school. For poor communicators use an alternative means of information access. Talk to other parents and children about what is going on in the classroom. 2 - SHARE RELEVANT INFORMATION Share with the SD as soon as possible Independent evaluations – (at least 5-10 days prior to meetings so it may be considered) Medical evaluations (as appropriate) Changes in behaviors Child complaints Bullying issues Feedbac
