Re: Inclusion and views

[Guest guest]

AGREE - we went back to H/s today for a visit. One could see that Elie made

a place for himself in that school even though he was in a self contained

classroom. From the secretary when we signed in, to the cafeteria ladies,

to the deputy shedrriff, vice principal, back to his old classroom.

Everyone greeted him by name - and he knew their names. High fives were all

over, and squeals sof joy and hugs when he went to his old classroom.

Limited integration worked really well for him - PE, music, lunch, although

he rode a special bus -he rode with all his classmates. No art - Elie hated

art classes unless it was linoleum blcoks or pottery - neither available at

this school.

> I have been all over the place in the past with inclusion for .

> He is 15 years old. He is in life skills. But he is included where

> it is most productive for him. He neeeds to learn life skills as he

> is a definite life skills person.

> He is included in art, pe, music, gym, and the bus! OH, and lunch!

> I think the whole idea of inclusion has evolved. Socialization is

> soooo important for our children.

> It is hard to describe to certain teachers about an evolved view on

> inclusion.

> I think if a person can live and work in a comunity, this includes:

> safety, church, library, having a relation with a person of the

> opposite sex, and having friends and community people around, then

> they can make it in this world. Activities and lots more are important.

> I think this is inclusion, NOT throw a person into a world they cannot

> handle. I am surprised at the number of times I come up against a

> teacher, who gets their dander up at the word inclusion. Sigh...

> keep on keeping on...

> Sarno

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Sara - Life is a journey- we choose the path.