Last week Sandra Peoples published an article on Key Ministry’s blog entitled “What Special Needs Families Wish Their Pastors Knew”. In that article, she shared five main points: We are lonely. We wish we could do more. We know you can’t control every church member’s reaction to our family, but you do set the…
KATIE MCVAY CAMPBELL·FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2016 John 9:2-4 “Rabbi,” his disciples asked him, “why was this man born blind? Was it because of his own sins or his parents’ sins?” “It was not because of his sins or his parents’ sins,” Jesus answered. “This happened so the power of God could be seen in him.…
This month the United States Department of Education Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services published a Dear Colleague Letter intended to help clarify the use of Positive Behavior Interventions & Supports in the IEP. A copy of the guidance can be found here: Dear Colleague Letter-on-PBIS-in-IEPs–08-01-2016 Of course, as a governmental document, it was a little…
“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…
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,…
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…
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 –…
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…
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…
“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…
