Often
when discussing special education and inclusion the focus remains on educating,
justifiably so too. However, the social aspect to an inclusive classroom also
stands out as an important aspect. You may recall me talking with The Inclusive Class Podcast hosts Nicole Eredics and Terri Mauro on this very topic back in
September. Here’s a link to refresh your memory, Growing Up with Inclusive
Education.
Now
back to today. Nicole offered me the privilege to provide a guest post for The
Inclusive Class blog, which I eagerly accepted. I plan to use the opportunity
to share three tips designed to help students with disabilities thrive socially
inside inclusive classrooms. Enjoy!
Tip #1- Embrace Others’
Outgoingness
My
mild case of spastic cerebral palsy led me to develop a shy personality growing
up. As my teenage memoir Off Balanced documents, initiating social interaction pretty much terrified me. I felt
ashamed about my disability and just wanted to blend in and be like everyone
else. Interestingly enough a few classmates disregarded my shy demeanor, exhibiting
friendly behavior towards me. I mention these individuals in Chapter 6 of my
book.
Take
for example my graphics art classmate Aaron. He regularly showed an interest in
my interests, asking about an upcoming video game I always looked at online and
supporting my ambition to pursue a writing career. Yet I failed to return the favor, leaving me
to flashback and wonder “What if?” What if I reciprocated his friendliness?
Would we have developed a lasting friendship?
Unfortunately I will never know because I didn’t embrace Aaron’s
outgoingness. Please learn from my mistake so you avoid any future “What if?”
Tip #2- Get Involved
If
you recollect my appearance on The Inclusive Class Podcast, I suggested
exploring extra-curricular activities as a way to assist forming friendships.
Joining a student group or organization connects you to peers who maintain
similar likes. People will get to know you rather than your disability. For
instance, joining my high school’s student newspaper transformed me from “the
kid who walks with a limp” to “the newspaper guy.”
Of
course Nicole and Terri brought up an excellent point during my appearance on
their show. What if the school tries to prevent you from joining your desired
club or organization? Hopefully by putting yourself out there you will secure
some helpful advocates. I know fellow author John W. Quinn mentions in his book
Someone Like Me: An Unlikely Story of Challenge and Triumph Over
Cerebral Palsy his school’s wrestling
coach came very close to cutting John from the squad. Guess what though? The
team’s best wrestler found out and threatened to walk off the team if the coach
cut John. Respect and admiration from others can certainly go a long way.
Tip #3- Open Up
Returning
to my own personal experiences, I note in Off Balanced my shyness lay rooted in my goal to hide my cerebral palsy. I
remember one particular time in elementary school the school’s physical
therapist came to the classroom to get me. My classmate next to me asked me,
“Is that your grandmother?” I answered with a quiet but grumpy “No” before
shuffling away awkwardly. At such a young age I didn’t realize the best
approach involved opening up, saying “No, that’s my physical therapist.”
Opening
up and answering questions head on removes others’ curiosity, allowing them to
stop dwelling on your disability and start appreciating your personality. I
know I can say with 100% confidence I wouldn’t have achieved all I did in
college and since without first accepting my cerebral palsy and answering
questions those around me presented. To conclude, let me just state by opening
up you should achieve your own success. Don’t let your disability hold you
down!
Additionally you can read
his work online at The Mobility Resource. For more information on
Zachary, visit www.zacharyfenell.com.