“When inclusive education is fully embraced, we abandon the
idea that children have to become ‘normal’ in order to contribute to the
world…We begin to look beyond typical ways of becoming valued members of the
community, and in doing so, begin to realize the achievable goal of providing
all children with an authentic sense of belonging.” --Norm Kunc
It seems like ages since my last blog post. Life has been such a whirlwind lately. My heart has been filled with angst about this school year for Kendall. I know I’m not alone amongst the other moms of Kindergarteners beginning school this fall. It’s difficult to put your child in the care of others. Of course we have a trusted group of nurses, teachers, and related services….but the uncertainty of the unknown makes my head spin.
Like all other moms, I have to find a peace that I’ve raised
my child to the best of my ability, and at some point she has to fly on her
own. I have to trust in the good in
people. I have to trust that when
someone looks you in the eyes and says something….that’s what they mean and
they’ll follow through.
There has been so much preparation put into starting this
school year out right for my sweet girl.
Her incredible Vision Teacher (TVI) and Orientation and Mobility
Specialist (O&M) did a presentation for the Kindergarten teachers on
accommodations and modifications over the week before school started. They made a sweet power point presentation and slide show
that did a wonderful job introducing her to the team. It showed all of the ways that we include
Kendall naturally in our home life, and how loved she is.
Within the first week of school, Kendall was invited to a
birthday party. A princess tea
party. I cried when I received the
invitation. This was a friend of
Kendall’s from school. Someone she knows
all on her own. Sure, the letter we sent
home with suggested answers for students with questions about Kendall’s
wheelchair, insulin pump, and communication device may have spurred the
invitation. But the bottom line is she
was invited, included, and enjoyed every minute of it (until the cheering and
happy birthday song!!)
In Sunday school, we can’t walk through the hall without
another five year old stopping to say hi to Kendall. The kids from her school are introducing her
to other kids and their parents. When I
went to pick her up a few Sundays ago, a little girl asked if Kendall could
come over to play.
I can’t help but feel hopeful that we are breaking some of
the barriers here. Kendall is happy,
excited to go to school each day, and participating in class. When I picked her up early for an
appointment, she was coloring and working independently just as the other kids
were. Side by side with her peers, she
has made it through two, TWO!! assemblies complete with cheering and microphones
without a melt-down.
Her teacher is the perfect match! A little sarcasm mixed with strong teaching
strategies and serious structure makes it work.
I have no doubt that Kendall gets her humor! Kendall respects her teacher, and it is very
natural. It’s not like it was in the
past. Nobody is babying her. Nobody is making the other kids feel like
Kendall needs “help.” She’s a student in
that class….not just a visitor dropping in.
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