Key Elements of Inclusion

“What is Inclusion?The term inclusion implies a certain educational placement philosophy, interdisciplinary team planning approach, instructional method and attitude.” “Inclusion DOES NOT necessarily mean that a student never leaves the class and is never paired with another student who receives special education services. Rather, it means that the student is truly a member of a…

Questions & Answers on Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) Requirements of IDEA

When discussion of placement arises in an IEP meeting, often how much “inclusion” will be accessible for a student becomes a topic of conversation.  Where is “inclusion” in IDEA?  Is that term actually there?  Or is it a concept?  Least Restrictive Environment is the term IDEA uses to define placements.  The United States Department of Education,…

Is Inclusion Possible for Students with Disabilities in Hamilton County?

Chattanooga Inclusive Ed recently provided a requested white paper to Chattanooga 2.0 outlining current deficiencies in inclusive best practices in the Hamilton County Department of Education, a summary of evidence on the benefits of inclusion for children with and without exceptional needs, and concrete recommendations for reform. Here’s an excerpt from the white paper on…

Stubborn Is…As Stubborn Does

Stubborn is…as Stubborn Does by Carol Johnson, Calgary, Alberta, Canada “It is interesting to me how many people talk about their child’s stubborn behavior as if it was part and parcel with having Down syndrome. It isn’t. There are many people who are stubborn who do not have DS. In fact, in some situations, being…

Transition Resources

The internet holds a plethora of resources on the topic of transition, whether it be to secondary education, employment or independent living.  Here are a few that we have discovered through the years. Some include older data, but their suggestions and recommendations are still valid.   How Students with Disabilities Can Prepare for College –…

Myths Associated with Inclusive Education

For years parents and educators have heard many excuses why students with disabilities should not be full included in their home zoned school..  Many times these excuses fall into specific categories. Myth #1: Students with significant disabilities educated in general education classrooms won’t get the support they need. Myth #2: Students with the most significant…

Achieving Inclusion

What Every Parent Advocating for Their Child Should Know “Had Nate’s family accepted the initial recommendation of the school, Nate would not have had access to the general education curriculum. He would not have read The Scarlet Letter and been able to share his thoughts on it with friends. He would not have dissected a…

Autism Treatment Options – What Is Available?

The sheer volume of autism treatment options can be overwhelming to a parent with a new diagnosis.  We have listed here some common treatment options with summaries and links to additional details on each treatment option.  Websites listed here have been used and recommended by LifeLine families over the last 13 years.  Not all options…

Elopement: Stop Running by Building Skills

“Nat runs to avoid work Sherry runs when she wants attention Mark runs whenever he can They ran in the past and continue to run in spite of strategies created to stop the running. Sound familiar? People who run create stress for everyone involved; often their safety is at risk or their running creates further…

Support Campaign for Chattanooga Police Officers

PRESS RELEASE Contact: Mitzi Johnston Telephone: 423.648.4303 E-Mail: MJohnston@PierceLawFirm.com Support Campaign for Chattanooga Police Officers Chattanooga, TN – 6/10/16 Harvest Bible Chapel Chattanooga, WMBW/Moody Radio Southeast, and Pierce Law Firm are teaming together to solicit donations of items to show our city’s support for our Chattanooga Police Department officers. After an alarming increase in shootings…