Today in class we had the privilege of having Chantelle Morvay-Adams who is a secretary for BCEdAccess. BCEdAccess is a volunteer-run organization in British Columbia that serves families of students who have disabilities and students who are complex learners

In class today I was able to learn so much about inclusion and students with disabilities. Part of our lecture today was spent in breakout rooms answering six questions. Below are the questions and a summary of some of the answers that were said in my breakout room.

Question #1: How can you assess a student’s needs?

By keeping track of everything, writing stuff down in a notebook about each student–positive and negative.

Question#2: What technology can you use if the child is averse to touching paper?

You can use iPads which then allows for the option of typing on the keyboard but also gives the option of writing with their fingertip or even some sort of stylus or pen. Another option would be a whiteboard with dry erase pens, this way it is very similar to writing on paper.

Question#3:How can you include a student in music class who is physically incapable of holding an instrument, but does have mobility enough for an AAC device?

You could use some sort of technology device that has apps, websites, or different resources for musical instruments. Once again, an iPad could be used and you could download different instrument apps.

Question#4: What if the student has fine motor challenges and cannot write well? What technology can you use and how will you go about applying it in the class?

Students could use text to speech with the help of the teacher, an ea, a teaching assistant, etc… They could eventually do it on their own as well. Another possibility could be getting extra help in the morning before school. Some students in my Wednesday class go to the library in the morning before school starts to get extra help with their reading and writing.

Question#5: What are some ways you can build a relationship with the student?

By focusing on information about the students early on, asking questions and learning about their background, their interests, their family, etc… You could also have a poster board in the classroom that says “All About Me” and have pictures of all of the students and some facts about them to learn about each student and potential things in common, this will create things to talk about and to create strong relationships. You could also incorporate student helpers once a week so that they all get to feel extra important and you get to build even stronger connections and relationships with them.

Question#6: How will you build a relationship with the family? 

With COVID it is definitely tougher now because parents and family aren’t coming into the schools anymore so the relationships with the family are mainly being formed over emails, zoom calls, and through the online e-portfolios where the teachers can post the students work, post comments, etc. and the parents are able to see and comment back as well. It also depends on the size of the school because with smaller schools it is definitely easier to form relationships with the families. Also as a teacher, you need to be open to communicating with the parents and family even if it is just one sided. Keep updating the parents and family whenever you feel necessary even if they have previously not responded, don’t lose courage! Continue reaching out as much as you can. Also, being open at the beginning of the year with asking questions to the parents and family about which way they prefer to communicate can help a lot with building relationships.

Below is a link to the BCEdAccess website:

https://bcedaccess.com/