News that the Special Olympics are extending their competitive sports program into Las Vegas schools is great news for the students in the special education program. Students who need extra supports to learn don’t necessarily have the opportunity to participate in organized sports. This may be because of physical challenges, intellectual disabilities, or other factors.
Sports Should be Available to All Students at Las Vegas Schools
Not all learning in Las Vegas schools takes place in the classroom. Students involved in the Special Education Program can and should be exposed to all the positive aspects of being involved in team sports. They get the opportunity to practice and improve their motor skills and coordination. Another advantage to these students attending Las Vegas schools is that they get to interact with each other as a team.
Too often these students, whether they are attending Las Vegas schools or not, are not made to feel as if they are part of the school community. They are in Special Ed for specific reasons, that’s true, but just because they need an alternate learning environment, it doesn’t mean that they aren’t children first. Maybe they won’t be playing for the varsity team at their school, but that certainly doesn’t mean that they can’t enjoy being physically active.
Las Vegas Schools’ Special Needs Kids Gain Confidence
Too often those children in Special Education classes in Las Vegas schools are defined by their challenges, rather than appreciated for what they can do. A sports program, like the one provided by Special Olympics, gives them the opportunity to participate at whatever level they are at right now. Some of the children involved in the program have never played sports before.
Perhaps they didn’t seem interested, or their parents were concerned that they would be picked at because of their abilities (or lack thereof). Participating in sports in Las Vegas schools is a great way to build confidence for special-needs children. They can apply this boost in self-esteem and use it as a springboard to success in other areas of their lives, both in the Las Vegas schools and outside the classroom.
Las Vegas schools should start off with the position that all children should be able to participate in programs offered by the educational system, even if some accommodations need to be made. The students in Las Vegas schools attending Special Education programs can only benefit from this basic premise. Let’s find ways that Las Vegas schools and other educational institutions across the country, can use programs like the Special Olympics to reinforce the fact that all children share similar characteristics, whether they are in the regular program or an alternative one.
By: Patricia Hawke
Posts Tagged ‘Special Education Program’
Special Olympics Moving Into Las Vegas Schools is a Good Thing
December 27th, 20093 Things That Father’s Can Do to Be Involved in Their Child’s Special Education
December 17th, 2009
Are you the father of a child with autism, and you would like to be more involved in your child’s education? Would you like a few simple things that you can do to benefit your child’s education? Fathers can bring a unique perspective to the special education process. This article will discuss 3 things that you can do to be more involved in your child’s special education program.
A study report that was released on July 14,2006 from the University of North Carolina of Chapel Hill found that: Children with disabilities are more likely than other youngsters to live with single mothers or other female caretakers. Children with special needs can benefit greatly, if their fathers are involved with their life and education; so jump in for the benefit of your child!
Below are a few things that you can do:
1. Learn about the federal law that governs special education; The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). My book Disability Deception is filled with information on IDEA, or check out http://www.wrightslaw.com
2. Attend an Individual Educational Plan (IEP) meeting for your child. These meetings must be held at least once a school year. Fathers are often treated with more respect than mothers, so your attendance could greatly benefit your child. Bring a list of your concerns, as well as a list of services that you believe your child needs.
3. Check and see if your child’s school has any Special Olympics available, or any other sports or recreation for children receiving special education services. You could help your child learn skills, or offer to coach a team. Recreation can greatly benefit a child’s ability to learn, especially if they are hyperactive. Activity often helps child with a disability focus more.
4. Take a short time off work and go and observe your child’s classroom. Talk to his teacher if time permits.
5. Talk to other fathers, and perhaps start a group that will address your needs in the special education system. Talking to other fathers, will give you the chance to share ideas, and encourage each other in this journey.
As an advocate for over 15 years, I found that children with disabilities that had their fathers involved in their educations, were often more motivated to do well. As I stated earlier, fathers are often given more respect than mothers so this should be a motivation to be more involved. You are the only father that your child has; and they are depending on you.
By: JoAnn Collins
Special Needs Education – Public Or Private School?
December 5th, 2009
When children with special needs reach school age, many families struggle with the dilemma of where to find the best education. Should they try placing their child in public school or should they seek a private special education school?
Public School Problems
Federal laws such as IDEA and ADA as well as state and local statues mandate that children with special needs must be allowed access to the public educational system and the public schools must accommodate their needs. As parents soon discover, what sounds good on paper doesn’t always work out in reality.
Parents naturally expect that teachers and administrators already are familiar with the regulations governing special education, but that’s not always true. Many public schools don’t know the laws and will not provide needed assistance. It is up to parents to learn their child’s rights and educate the educators. Unfortunately this may not solve the problem.
Public schools are notoriously underfunded and overworked. Special education school expenses are much, much higher for the schools than those for traditional students and, though there are state and federal programs to defray the costs, some schools are hard pressed to provide help needed even when spelled out in an IEP.
Private School as a Transition to Public School
Another challenge to public education may be the child’s capabilities. Many children with disabilities haven’t been able to learn the skills needed to function in public school, even in a special education program. Then find public school very stressful and may perform poorly. As they grow frustrated, the educational process becomes a nightmare.
Private special education schools are able to instill these children with the capabilities necessary to flourish in a public education setting. Special needs student who have done poorly in public schools may thrive after spending a couple of years in a focused special education school that focuses on building the social, physical and academic skills they need to do well in school. As our children change, so do the education options available to them.
Private Schools for Focused Education
Many parents of special needs kids find private special education schools are their best option. These facilities are able to concentrate on each child’s unique needs to provide a customized educational experience unlike what schools in the public are able to offer.
A common obstacle for families considering private special education schools is the cost of tuition. Unlike state funded schools, private educational institutions are not free. However many tuition assistance programs exist to help families cover the associated expenses, and the high quality education the children received is truly priceless.
The public vs. private school debate is not a situation with an easy answer. While many families find private education preferable, each family must consider how each educational option fits best with their child’s abilities and needs.
By: Christine Harrell
