|
independence. Our children deserve nothing less.
The ultimate goal of the conference was to ensure participants had resources, strategies and networked with individuals to reach out and combine our voices to create inclusive schools and communities throughout Kansas.
Inspiration was the goal of the Kansas City “Together We Can Learn” morning keynote address and Norman Kunc, a self-advocate, disability-rights advocate and co-founder of Axis Consultation & Training, fulfilled that goal to the maximum extent possible! Norman presented his address, “Inclusive Education: Rediscovering Our Right To Belong,” with story-telling and humor broadening participants' definition of inclusion while challenging their easy ways of doing things in the past. An emphasis on belonging was made throughout the address as a key element to all children’s success in an inclusive school. Norman remarked, “Commitment to inclusion is a commitment to the idea that the more that we can build a sense of belonging in the classroom, the better education will be and the more people will enjoy being there.” He really challenged the idea that inclusion is a place, but rather presented that supported inclusion with a sense of belonging and challenged participants to change the rules of “the old” by ensuring that all kids have that sense of belonging and value. That is the real picture of successful inclusive education according to Norman. Through laughter, story-telling and real-life examples, Norman helped begin our conference day by looking at the larger picture of inclusive education needs to look like in order for all kids to succeed, feel valued and have that all-important sense of belonging.
Continuing on with the theme of spotlighting successful Kansas inclusive programs, several breakout sessions were offered by individuals throughout Kansas who continue opening the doors to inclusive education. Session topics included: Supporting the Classroom Teacher, Modifications & Accommodations, Inclusion at the Early Childhood Level, Sensory Strategies, Self-Determination, Teaching Hidden Curriculum, Preschool General Curriculum & Universal Design and Linking Curricular Standards Within the IEP.
The final keynote address was from Tom Laing, executive director of Interhab, a resource network which supports people with disabilities through technical assistance, advocacy and leadership at the local, state and national level. Tom’s motivational wrap-up to the day focused on just how far Kansas has come in the disability movement and where Kansas is heading in the years to come.
As we close on two successful statewide conferences and move on to planning next year’s spotlight on inclusion, we would like to thank all of our wonderful presenters, vendors and conference attendees. It is inspiring to see so many Kansans committed to inclusive education and we look forward to the trend continuing as we combine |
|
2 |
|
...continued from page 1 |
|
our voices to open the doors and make the inclusion connection together. If you are part of one of the remarkable teams in Kansas who truly believes all students should have the opportunity to learn and live in a community which values each individual’s strengths and gifts, give us a call or e-mail. We would love to hear from you. kristen@familiestogetherinc.org.
The Wichita Center invites you to attend their 2nd annual conference on December 9, 2006. The featured keynote speaker will be Paula Klauth, National-Louis University, Chicago, Illinois. The Kansas City Center hopes to see you next year on February 17, 2007 with our featured keynote speaker, Doug Fisher, San Diego State University! |
|
SRS Assessments Submitted by Lori Burnshire, Wichita Center
If you are the parent of a child who receives services under the Developmental Disability (DD) waiver, you are probably familiar with the term Developmental Disability Profile (DDP). The DDP is an annual tool used to update ”support needs” for persons determined eligible for DD services in Kansas. Until recent policy changes, a case manager has been the person who conducted the DDP. Current information indicates that over 500 different people have, and continue to, administer the assessments. Social and Rehabilitation Services (SRS) is making an effort to increase consistency in how the assessments are conducted and scored. SRS is working with Community Developmental Disability Organizations (CDDO) and will reduce the number of people performing assessments. This group of persons will be a limited group whose primary job function is to do the assessments and who provide no other direct services to the person assessed. Case managers may still be a part of the process and should be a part of the team of supporters providing information to the assessor. If you have any questions regarding this plan, you can contact your child’s case manager or your local CDDO. This policy will be implemented no later than July 1, 2006. |
|
Sheila Putman presents her daughter's teacher, Dedra Raines, with the annual Families Together Inclusion Award à |