Information on Project Participate

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Dear Friend of ASO:

Information on Project Participate on increasing inclusion for persons with disabilities. FYI - please share.

Sincerely,

Barbara C. YavorcikPresidentAutism Society of Ohio701 S. Main St.Akron, OH 44311(330) 376-0211fax: (330) 376-1226email: askASO@...home: byavorcik@...web: www.autismohio.org2005 ASO Bi-Annual Conference"Reaching Beyond the Horizon - Challenging the Autism Spectrum"Friday and Saturday, October 14-15, 2005 Kingsgate Marriott in Cincinnati, Ohio Please note: This is provided for information purposes only. The ASO does not endorse or recommend any providers, methodologies or services. Providing this information should not be construed as an endorsement by the ASO, either explicit or impiled.

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Project Participate

http://www.projectparticipate.org/Default.aspProject Participate provides families, educators, administrators and therapists with simple strategies to increase the active participation of students with disabilities in school programs. Supported by a U.S. Department of Education grant (H324M980258), Project Participate facilitates team collaboration and promotes the appropriate uses of technology in the classroom. Explore our site to see success stories and learn practical solutions to enhance learning, teaching, and the full inclusion of students with disabilities in the classroom. Download sample curricular adaptations, handouts for training, intervention planning forms and more!Inclusion StrategiesInclusion is more than physical presence in the classroom. Students learn when they actively participate in the academic lessons and interact with others. Here are some tips to create a meaningful and inclusive learning environment. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------Attitude is EverythingBelieve that all students can participate. Value the student and their independence. Forget past failures. Focus on present potential and future success. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------Build a Rapport With OthersBegin by introducing yourself to others on the team. Don't forget to introduce students to the general classroom teacher. If you are a consultant, ensure that people refer to you by your name versus professional title. If you are a teacher, greet the student each day.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------Speak to Others DirectlyProvide written documentation to the team when needed, but remember the value of a face-to-face conversation. Resist the temptation to rely solely on paraeducators to communicate your message to others or on anonymous correspondence through office mailboxes. Likewise, always speak directly to students, the paraeducator is not their communication tool. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------Listen and ShareStudent success is the responsibility of everyone on the team and everyone involved has valuable insights. Share stories, critical bits of information that one learns from daily contact with the student, or ideas from home. Collaborate when identifying lesson goals and modifications. Troubleshoot problems together. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------Recognize Passive InvolvementA seat assignment in the general classroom does not create or ensure learning. When students are isolated from peers, or the classroom tasks are completed for them (including choice making), students are passively involved in your classroom. Students must actively participate in classroom activities, communication with teachers, and interaction with peers.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------Promote IndependenceIndependence, no matter how insignificant it may seem, builds self-esteem and preserves the student's integrity. Students learn independence by doing, not by watching others do for them. Limit "hand over hand" assistance and use as few prompts as possible when assisting students. Structure academic lessons and social activities to require minimal adult supervision or participation.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------Accept Alternative ProductsIf a picture is worth a thousand words, then a photo-essay conveys the equivalent message of a five-page paper. Remember students learn through the process of creation not simply from the product. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------Explore TechnologyTechnology enables many students to participate actively in academic lessons and communication. Don't be shy explore closets and storage facilities for any and all equipment the school currently owns. If you're a novice to technology, play and practice first, then you will help students succeed!--------------------------------------------------------------------------------Use Technology EffectivelyUsing technology as a tool to keep students occupied does not promote learning. Likewise, communication technology used randomly fails to promote socialization. Select simple, efficient technology EVERYONE can understand and operate. Create goals for the student to use the technology for learning and communication in the classroom.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------Outline Roles and ResponsibilitiesWho will escort the student to class? Who is responsible for obtaining a book on tape? Who is going to ask the student questions about the day's lecture? Name and itemize all tasks completed by adults, or the student's participation will decrease. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------Conduct Assessments EverydayThe annual IEP (Individualized Education Plan) meeting is too late to assess student learning. Remember the value of informal assessments and communication. Ask a student content-related questions everyday. Strive to understand how the student best learns and demonstrates knowledge. Adjust teaching methods or learning activities accordingly.