Tommy is in the second row. Of course, Aaron is the red head in the middle of the picture who refused to look at the camera.
My last post Teachers| Inclusion or Segregation started an interesting discussion. It reminded me of the letter I wrote to the Principal of Hopewell Junior School:
Letter to Principal on Last Day of Jr. High School
June 6, 1990
Principal, Hopewell Junior School
Lakota School District
West Chester, OhioDear Dr. Taylor,
Recently my nephew, Robert, started laughing hysterically when I mentioned his cousin; Aaron was going to be on the school cross-country team. “What’s Aaron going to do? Bite and push all the kids at the starting line so he can win?”
I was deeply hurt but tried to explain it wasn’t all about the winning but the trying that was important. Robert was shocked! “But why would you even try if you knew you couldn’t win?”
Different Kinds of Winners and Losers
I explained there were different kinds of “winning.” Aaron has autism but he also has the need for belonging to a group and regular exercise. Robert stared blank-faced, and after several more minutes I changed the subject. To this gifted 14 year old, who has above-average good looks, athletic ability and intelligence, this made no sense. Sigh.
Robert, Tommy (Aaron’s brother) and their peers are the people on whom Aaron will always be dependent. They are the next generation of parents, professionals, neighbors and…coaches.
The experiences and value systems they are developing in school, in the community, on the cross country teams–right this minute—will directly affecting Aaron’s future.
Robert has never gone to public school, run on an inclusive cross-country team or been friends with people with physical and intellectual challenges. Obviously, even his experiences with his cousin have made little impact. I think that is a deficit in his education. It will impact his future as a member of his family and community. It’s not a visible “D” on his report card, but it is an invisible “deficit” and loss in his life.
Who are the Winners and Losers?
How do you teach that the person who comes in first is not always the biggest winner? Can children learn it takes courage for not just children with challenges, but for all the boys and girls who finish near the end?
WINNERS are sometime those who RISK losing…being laughed at…coming in last.
Learning and Teaching Values
Each nation decides what is normal, average and gifted. They decide who are the winners and the losers.
Recently, we’ve been stunned by news accounts which demonstrate how the values in Iran, China, and Russia are different from our own. We have also witnessed incredible changes in philosophy, public opinion and policy. Values are fluid, changing and dependent on multiple factors.
Shaping those values and rights is something we do every day, consciously, or unconsciously. Sometimes value changes are dramatic like the Berlin Wall coming down–winners. Sometimes value changes are dramatic like Tiananmen Square-winners/losers depending on your point of reference.
The rights of citizens are gifts from a nation to their citizens. These rights and freedoms cannot be taken for granted.
The tragedy of having a child with a disability has nothing to do with the child, a syndrome, disease or label. The tragedy comes from the struggle with people in your family, community, country who decide if they will accept and support your family or rejected and isolate you.
Whether the differences are overlooked or emphasized. Whether the winners are only the ones who come in first.
“But Wait until Junior High”
When we went to court in 1979 (Cincinnati Public Schools) to allow Aaron to go to the public school, the doomsayers predicted, “MAYBE it would work in elementary school…But wait until Junior High!”
The teachers care only about academics, the sports are so competitive, the kids are so cruel–during lunch they will put drugs in your child’s milk”
They hatefully wanted to frighten us into accepting the segregated school and a segregated life.
Last Day of Junior School
Today is our last day at Hopewell Junior School and happily those predictions are laughable. Thanks to the vision and caring of the administration, staff, teachers–especially Miss Linda Lee–and the other students in the school Aaron and his classmates have had a great experience.
They are the first class of people with significant disabilities who have been able to attend a regular public school. It has been a new experience for everyone and it has been a success.
Aaron has had many opportunities for learning functional skills which will help him live, work and participate in the community. But more importantly, he has had opportunities to be “included as a regular student.”
There were some who wondered why a kid, who can hardly talk, much less sing, would practice and perform on stage with the school chorus?
Why someone who has severe balance and flexibility problems would try to participate on the cross-county and track team?
They wonder if it be would have been safer if Aaron rode the “handicapped bus” with an extra aide, instead of the regular bus with his brother?
They will never understand why we hate Special Olympics?
These parents, students and community members can’t figure out what could Aaron possibly get out of an assembly, or six minutes in regular homeroom?
The answer to most of these questions then and now is really WE Don’t KNOW!
The schools are changing the future
Aaron has gifts, strengths and talents and when given opportunities for learning–determination and pride. We do have observations.
Each time a schoolmate says, “Hi” and forces Aaron to give eye contact, each time a teammate said, “Go Aaron, you can make it!” or gives him a high 5–it is a victory.
Each time they see Aaron make it over a creek or down a hill we celebrate.
Every time they see him complete his vocational job stacking juice cartons in the lunchroom, sorting the silverware, filling the pop machines–it is a value enhancing experience. Aaron can learn to do jobs, that if he didn’t do them, someone else would.
This year Aaron’s picture is in the yearbook next to his brother’s. He and Tommy’s picture is in also with the athletes for Cross Country and Track. A First!
A general education high school student cared enough to help Aaron participate in a bowling league. And then, he took him to the Eighth Grade Dance whose theme was “That’s What Friends are For.” A First!
Aaron’ name (granted it was a name stamp) was on the class t-shirt. A First!
Aaron got a school letter in cross country and track, including being in the team picture. A First!
Aaron got his first paycheck from his vocational training site, Grote bakery, allowing him to become a taxpayer. A jump-up-and-down first!
A whole lot of Learning
To me, these shifts in school philosophy, values and focus on inclusion are every bit as dramatic as the Berlin wall coming down.
In the current evolution to merge special and general education, to change special separate classes into a system of inclusive classes with support services for ALL children–the new ideas, opportunities, choices, risks and freedoms are truly exciting.
Hopewell Junior School has given Aaron and Tommy the chance to be winners. The chance to show that sometimes the biggest lessons are not just in the classroom.
Their success has been a victory.
Hopefully, in this human race, our world will become a better place because of the mix of people who grow up more fully with the experiences of community inclusion.
Thanks for your continued support. Thanks for making Hopewell—a Well of Hope.
Sincerely,
The Ulrich Family
Epilogue: 20 years later
Junior High turned out to be one of the best times in Aaron and Tommy’s lives. They both had caring teachers who looked at each of their individual needs. I wish we could find out what memories the other students had of their time with Aaron and Tommy in cross-county, track, bowling, choir, gym… I bet they would have some funny stories. I wish them all well.
ps. We often think of how the students are going to grow up and be the next voters, taxpayers, citizens… but we often forget the school staff also evolves. Aaron’s teacher, Miss Lee went on to become a district supervisor and Dr. Taylor, the prinicpal, is the current Superintendent of Lakota. I like to think their experiences with Aaron and Tommy influence who they are today.
Keep Climbing: Onward and Upward
All my best,
Mary
Comments:
Were kids with autism and severe disabilities included in your school? Do you have any thoughts to share? What do you think the future looks like?
A related story is What is Inclusion? plus, pictures of Aaron and Tommy at graduation.
When you said your nephew kind of questioned why Aaron was joining the team, I was not shocked. I feel as though many people kind of question why people with disabilities are on teams where they may not be able to contribute 110% to. But like you said, winning is different for everyone. It is like the article about going to Jungle Jims, everyone feels a different sense of pride when they do different things. At my high school, the students were of course allowed to join the teams, but not many of them did, for whatever reason. I was a cheerleader, and during one of the basketball games, one of the girls with whom I worked with (I aided in the special needs room) wanted to come and cheer with us. So she got all dressed up and her teacher and I were trying to convince her to come cheer with us, but she got too shy and ended up not doing it. She looked cute in the uniform though!
But you gave her the opportunity. That was pretty neat.
Today, with the cheerleader on Glee, I think more people are getting opportunities because they know what is possible.
I find this article very interesting and I really like the quote from Nichole that stated,”I really like the idea that winners aren’t always defined as the person who comes in first or does the best at something; overcoming a challenge and trying new things are triumphs and wins. I wish this was a more common attitude, it’s an important one to instill.” I completely agree. Winners should be defined as the person who comes in first, instead winning should come from within that I know Arron has experienced.
You’re right EJ, this could be a lesson for our whole culture. I often wonder what the other students on Aaron’s team remember of the experience. Did it have any impact on their lives? Would be interesting. Thanks for your comment.
I loved reading this post. With myself also being a Lakota alumni, and with him being in Lakota currently it gives me hope that my brother Alex will succeed in the rest of his school career as Aaron did. I agree with the inclusion idea being the best way for kids to succeed.
I didn’t realize Alex went to Lakota. Is he in the Early Childhood Program. I love these people. I did a practicum with them and they were incredible and some of the best teachers I ever met. Go Lakota. BTW: Tommy and Aaron helped name Shawnee School and Lakota West. 🙂
Best wishes always to you and your brother Hannah.
My mother always told me that winning isn’t about coming in first, it’s about finishing. I thought of what my mom told me when I read this because Aaron was able to be on the cross-country and track team and like you told Robert, it wasn’t about Aaron coming it was about him being able to be a part of the team and being included.
Your mom is a smart woman.
Aaron being on the cross country team was one of the highlights of his life. :0
That’s wonderful that Elizabeth is so active and doing activities with her friends. Take lots of pictures because these will be memories she will want to keep the rest of her life. Awesome–go Elizabeth.
I agree that our society is very competitive about sports. So when I heard that Aaron ran track and cross country, I thought that was awesome! It reminded me of my sister because she loves sports as well. She has done track, soccer, and now hip-hop. She loves participating and hanging out with her friends. This helps her get in shape and interact with her classmates. Though competition is big, and being in 1st place is important, Elizabeth is in sports for a whole different reason. She loves being active and defines ‘winning’ in a whole new way. Her definition is having fun and going out doing the things she really loves. I bet Aaron was the same way. I think it was very cool that he was in track and cross country and enjoyed himself!
I really like the idea that winners aren’t always defined as the person who comes in first or does the best at something; overcoming a challenge and trying new things are triumphs and wins. I wish this was a more common attitude, it’s an important one to instill.
Our society is so competitive. Sports only think of the winners. So, we are really conditioned to want to be first, be the winner. Nicole, it sounds like you understand the value of respect, individual skills and talents. That is going to help you relate to the people you work with for the rest of your life.
This article was wonderful! I went to a small school and only had a handful of classmates that had any type of disability. They were never in my classrooms though. They had their own classrooms, which I never understood why they weren’t in my classrooms. However they did have programs at my middle and high school to kind of hang out with students with disabilities. In middle school every morning a friend of mine with autism and I would put up the flag, and fill out the weather boards in the hallways. We would also walk around and get the attendances from each class and bring them to the attendance office. Although I could never interact with him in the classroom, I could do simple things like the flag, weather, and walk around to hang out with him. It was important to me to hang out with him because I considered him a very good friend. He did really well in school and I think some of that came from him being involved in activities like I listed above. I am glad I got to experience my middle school time with him, and I think it is essential for things like this in the schools!
Sounds like a wonderful school Maci. And how amazing that you could see your friend’s strengths and talents. He might not have been able to say the words, but I’m sure you felt his love and appreciation. Something as simple as putting up the flag might not seem like much, but I bet it was one of the joys of this man’s life. I’m sure you touched his life. I wonder how he is doing now? It would be interesting to see him again, now that you are both grown.
At my grade school, we had very few kids with disabilities. Every other year, we would spend an entire school day being introduced to a new disorder. First, they told us all about the topic. Depending on the topic, we would do an activity or be introduced to students with the particular topic. For example, one year we focused on people who were blind. I remember for one of the activities we did we were blind folded and had to walk to one end of the hall to the other with a white cane to realize what life would be like. Another topic was Autism, students with this disorder were brought in and we got to talk to them. I was always very interested on these days since we didn’t see it that often throughout the school. As for the future, I only see improvement. My cousin has Apraxia and has always loved sports. He cannot play any sports but his classmates and team mates have always been just so wonderful to him. He is “Team manager” for football and basketball and absolutely loves his position and to feel apart of the team! He has done this since 7th grade and is now a Junior in high school. He started going half days to Diamond Oaks to begin studying sports. All this helps me look forward to the future!
HI Jessica,
There was a very popular program in Cincinnati called “Everybody Counts” it sounds similar to the one you described. It is a “tourist” approach, it is a start.
The program you described with your cousin sounds like an inclusive program. He uses his skills to do a real job–not pretend–if he wasn’t manager, someone else would have to do the job. And it’s great his teammates appreciated him. I’m sure it will be one of the highlights of your cousin’s life and it will be something each of his teammate remembers.
Check out the Discussion Board. There was an interesting video posted there on teams.
This week’s posts were very interesting to me. The first thing that attracted my attention was probably the article about stepping away from segregation and towards inclusion. Those were all very valid points, but honestly I think the most important one of all was the one about personal change. If everyone changed their attitudes and perception on individuals with exceptionalities, I believe that they would make different decisions and all of the other points would fall in to place. You cannot always change how everyone else thinks, but you can change how you think. If you, one person, can change your thinking that can make a world of difference. Especially if you encourage someone to change theirs. Then they tell someone. You get the point. There were many great articles posted though! This one was just my favorite.
Glad you liked all the articles Alexa. I like this one too. I gave a copy to Aaron’s principal and teacher and they said nice things, but it really was one of those transformational moments for me. The transition to HS was important for Aaron and Tommy, but it’s also a transition for parents. So many good things happened in Junior High (in many ways inclusion we only dreamed of) and a parent has so many hopes and fears for the years ahead.
Bet your parents have stories about the transition from Jr. High to High School too. 🙂
You’re right Randy. It is the biggest risk takers that win, even if they lose. But it is difficult to always be “out-there.”
You reminded me about Oscar Pistorius. I did an article on him and will have to find it. Indeed he was inspirational. He ran in the Olympics and then again in the Paralympics.
So, today we have to take a risk. 🙂
I think it is important to keep in mind that winners truely arent the ones who win the bigest race with the best time. The biggest winners are those who risk the most because those who risk the most have the most to gain. The comment on the special Olympics reminded me of the Olympic runner oscar pistorius although his challenge was purely physical but he was the double amputee who qualifed to run in the Olympics. although he did not win gold it was a huge risk and for that he changed the way people look at people with a disability
Hi Mary. Thanks for your concern. I’m not allowing myself the luxury of wallowing in the pain. God knows that would all too easy. Instead my purpose in sharing any and all relevant stories is to show what can and still does go wrong. Also I firmly believe if we don’t learn from the past we we indeed repeat it.
The other point is that this last story about Robert Velinajavo(sp??) happened only 7 years ago not 20. This mean that while there are places that are starting the process of inclusion many have continued to pursue the policies and belief systems of the past. For the sake of future generation attention still need to be focused on these areas so that those individuals stuck there can perhaps have hope as these areas typically hire there teachers and support people from outside the area in question.
So if I sound morbidly into pain that is not the intent and and bow with hands in prayer gesture to you and all your readers in sincere respect for any hurt that sharing this and other sties have caused. Namaste.
P.S. I’m just a die hard activist with only the internet to do something good so please bear with me.
Gary, you have been through so much so you are allowed to just be you. Keep trying to move forward. It also helps to focus on things that make you feel more empowered–good news. Keep Climbing.
Mini Mary is quite right.I went through the school system in Lancaster CA over 20 years ago. I can assure you I was the only publicly displayed disabled child amongst them.
While I have heard that there are more here and there. I think the increasing population accounts for some of it. I have volunteered in one the back40 classrooms. Yes they are still not seen or heard. We had for a time a older teenager/young man named Robert he wanted to try and interact with the other high schoolers. But as this redneck part of CA would have it (if it isn’t in the paperwork don’t exist). Bruce garver the teacher would have been willing to set up something but it wasn’t allowed so every time we were out of the class and Robert tried to communicate his wishes we had to tell he couldn’t. I tried to show him my genuine compassion and heart felt cheers for his courage to take on this mindless valley.
I think that not only does a disabled student and the teacher needs help but most likely the family and community needs help in realizing that they are people too.
Gary, I’m sorry you had such negative experiences. We can hope that 20 years later, there are new teachers, new families, new ideas, new advocates that are helping the kids be included.
I bet there are. We have learned so much in the last generation.
I know it is hard to move past all the hurt of the past. But sometimes that is the only way to stay healthy and hopeful.
That is my goal. To find some good thing to focus on. And try and forget the bad so those sore spots can heal.
Try and think of at least one good experience. Then do something positive in the present. We don’t have to stay stuck in the bad news of the past–we have the opportunity to change our present situation and take action to make things better. Best wishes.
Hello, I really can not remember if there were any children with autism in my class I really do not think that there were children with any disabilities in my school. But now days depending on the type of autism those children are allowed to be in the regular classes. But there are segregated classes in schools with only children with disabilities and they are sort of put away to the side, no one really visits the classes,and the classes are in a separate area of the building. I don’t agree with the separation but I have worked in classrooms with 26 kids and a child with a disability, if they don’t have the adequate help for that child it can get hard.
If you graduated more than 15 years ago, there were probably NOT any kids with significant disabilities in your school. And, you are right, for many years they were isolated and segregated in the back wing, or basement or boiler room….
The trick is to have the support for the child and the teacher. That is where the IEP becomes critical.
Thanks for your comment Luecreasia.
Gary and Mary,
My story took place in Kansas in a relatively small community. I think that makes all the difference. As we build healthy communities that are more tolerant of all types of abilities and beliefs (I know you think I’m fantasizing here, but I have hope for us, yet!) then the idea of working and playing together with ease will seem less foreign.
Ahh, the land of “over the rainbow” where “dreams really do come true.” It is so good to know inclusion can work and is happening–those tiny ripples of hope will spread. I’m sure every person involved was touched.
Mary, I loved this story. I worked for 10 years as the marketing and development director for an organization that served adults and children with special needs. As a result, all three of my children began their educations at an outstanding inclusive preschool.
My oldest son, now a college senior, has served for two years as a mentor to teen boys with autism, spending four hours a week in social activities with them. My son who is a freshman in college has changed his major to education and is thinking he might teach middle school. My 15-year-old daughter, volunteers for the Best Buddies program.
True, these traits were encouraged in our family, but the community-based beginning made all the difference. Learning from age three and four how to overcome the fear of differences, how to communicate and how to value individuals with a broad range of abilities is critically important to the fabric of an inclusive society.
My boss believed the only way we would ever progress toward truly inclusive, healthy communities would be to do away with programs like Special Olympics. His vision of the perfect community was one in which businessmen stopped by our group homes on a Friday afternoon to take some of the residents to the golf course…just because they could, not because it was a program.
When we stop to lift one another up on the climb, we all reach a higher place. Onward and upward, Mary.
(I have signed off on messages with that phrase since I was in college. We must be kindred spirits!)
Kindred spirits indeed!
Mimi, you made me cry. What an amazing response. Unless someone truly understands the paradigm shift away from segregation and toward inclusion, they just cannot imagine why your husband would not support Special Olympics and instead take real people with disabilities to golf. Thanks so much.
We always hope for change–you have proven that it can occur.
Did you see this post, https://climbingeverymountain.com/autism-awareness-day-direct-action-is-better/ I think you will like the golf story.
If it’s okay, I might borrow your phrase: When we stop to lift one another up on the climb, we all reach a higher place. Onward and upward.
Thanks. Mary
Of course you can use that phrase! It fits perfectly with your work and perhaps, if we say it often enough, we’ll all start practicing it!
Thanks, it’s debut will be on my next post.
Hi Mini. I second Mary approval of your husband not supporting special Olympics. I suppose if run decently it can be a good place to start.But when it is run in such a way that only the “right” kind of disabled people benefit it can be cruel on others.
But I must confess that the idea of “business people” hanging out at a golf court with what society makes very plain as untouchables is so astonishing to me that I’m having trouble believing that it is actually taking place. As cool as it sounds it seems to much like a fantasy story one might make up for older children.
I don’t what part of the planet this is taking place but in this backwards right wing Hell that I grew up in is not where you and your family live.
Also I’m rather curious what would a program for disabled adults and children have need of a marketing specialist.
peace and true freedom
from the clueless one.
Hi Gary,
I know you are frustrated these great examples of inclusive activities are always someplace else–just out of your grasp.
The good news is that they exist. I too found the golf league an inspiration. And, just knowing that somewhere, somehow there is an inclusive group that is making friends and learning skills makes life a bit easier.
All you need is one friend to help you. Is there a counselor or support coordinator in the county? (I don’t know how your system works in CA.) Are there volunteers at the Association for the Blind that could help you set up a “Circle of Friends or support”? I know it is difficult to ask for help. Especially when you are so talented and such a great problem solver.
But sometimes, asking is the beginning of lots of new opportunities.
As for a marketing specialist, I wish there were many more like Mimi who actually get it. And I wish we could clone her former boss’ attitude. There are few people who actually do more than just talk.
I know as a college student that I never really learned about disabilities until college. In highschool we always saw the kids with disabilities in the speical education classrooms but noone thought to teach us about them. As a speech and Language Pathology major I was shocked to learn about all the different disabilities. The knowledge is great but I wish I could have met with the kids with disabilities or had some hands on learning in highschool so that I was better prepared for my future profession.
Hi Olivia,
The good news is that as more students with disabilities are part of general education and inclusive classrooms there will be more opportunities to develop personal relationships.
The most common concern from people with disabilities and their families is the need for friends. When you need someone to support you (drive, watch the time, make sure things are safe…) you need an extra person. You want friends, not a paid staff person.
The young man who took Aaron to the bowling league and later to the school dance will always be one of our heroes.
There are opportunities everywhere. There is someone in your neighborhood, work, school, church, basketball league who is hoping someone like you will notice them and include them in your life.
Thanks for using your new eyes of awareness, this will help you in your work as a S/LP and in your personal life.
Several of the general education high school students who used to work with Aaron have gone on to become S/LP, OT, physical therapists and one of the girls on the track team is now a doctor.
When I was in junior high and even high school, I was very deprived of knowledge on disabilities both cognitive and physical. I was never offered classes to help me better understand the concept, until college, and I wish I would have gotten the oppoortunity to learn more about disabilities when I was younger! I played a lot of sports in junior high and high school and have to admit I probably would have thought/said the same thing as Robert, because I had no knowledge on the situation. Now that I do, my view has completely changed. I have three younger brothers who are very competitive also. I never let them make fun of children with disabilities or who are just plain different from them. My parents have always instilled in us to treat everyone equally.
I loved this quote, “It’s not a visible “D” on his report card, but it is an invisible “deficit” and loss in his life.”
This really hit home to me, because I have a cousin wtih Aspergers. She is 10, the same age as my youngest brother. Having a cousin with autism has definitely changed me and my entire family. We would never ever make fun of her or treat her differently than anyone else. My little brother’s best friend’s brother has down syndrome. I think it’s good that he is being introduced to disabilities at such a young age because it will broaden his perspectives.
HI Spencer. You’re comment gives me a lot of hope for several reasons.
1. It shows that with some information, you could change your perspective of inclusion and being around people with disabilities. I’m glad you liked the quote about the “d”s.
2. You see opportunities for sharing your knowledge with your younger brother and cousin.
3. People with disabilities are a part of your world. Your cousin and his friend’s brother with Down syndrome are real people–they are not hidden away, they are part of your world.
4. You are continuing to learn and be an active advocate for people. Your life and others will be different–you can never go back.
Thanks again for commenting and thanks for being part of the solution. You will touch each of our lives.
Everyone always talks about how difficult it is to change attitudes.
I really enjoyed reading this post. I completely agree that inclusion in general education and activites is truly the way for kids like Aaron to succeed. I also, agree that a winner is not always the winning team or fastest runner. As a volleyball player, for me playing and being apart of the game is what matters. No matter win or lose, I think that I overall have won. It has been apart of my life for ten years and I have learned and grown so much through playing the sport. This is something that Aaron can experience through cross- country. These type of activities can teach us life skills that make everyone who is brave enough to participate a winner.
Hey Jayne, thanks for your comment. You are right, the ten years you spent in volleyball taught valuable life skills whether you won or lost. I hope you won often, and continue to advocate for people with disabilities. There are so many good people and good experiences out there–we just need to find them. Best.
Hi Gary,
In some ways, it would be good to start over. We have learned so much in the last 35 years since IDEA was passed.
On the other hand, in the past there was an excitement and positive energy that we were doing something grand that had never been done before.
I was speaking to Aaron’s HS teacher today and he said 10-20 years ago were better in many ways. So, I guess there is both positive and negatives.
We can only live our own lives. So you and Aaron and all the others have to now show the world everything we can accomplish as adults.
But still, I wish there was a magic wand!
Well Mary I can keep short and sweet this time. I’m very happy Aaron and Tommy had a good time during Junior High. I’m also glad you didn’t have relative sabotage your efforts by knowing big wigs and making sure that the kind of scary stuff your were told about coming true.
As for the future I don’t have a clue. I would like to think that the backstabbing sort of community I endured is a thing of the past.
I basically was the only disabled kid that wasn’t excluded during the various years in regular ed. So my experiences most likely be of help to those fortunate enough to be like Aaron and Tmmy in an inclusive social setting.
Well take care and once again this is a nice story makes me wish I had been growing up ten years later than i did.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this post. It made a lot of sense as to how inclusion is essential to giving a person with a disability a sense of pride, well-being and self esteem. As I read it I reflected on the parents at our school (where there is only one handicapped child) who park in the handicapped spaces so their darlings don’t have to walk an extra twenty paces and I realize how the insensitivity to people with disabilities is engendered and passed on.
Thanks Alison, sometimes it is good to look back and smile. We really broke some ground. And it worked.
Aaron and Tommy have good memories, and I’m hoping some of the other students also learned life lessons.
You are making inclusion come true for the next generation. Thank heaven there are people like you.