Supportive Individuals
The power of supportive individuals outside of "the system" (e.g. family friends, neighbors, college fraternity members, teachers and therapists) in making inclusion work.
by Tracey West
Dr. Ann Turnbull’s keynote address was one of the highlights of the Inclusion Institute in Chapel Hill. Her passion for the full inclusion of children (and adults) with disabilities into community life was inspiring. Dr. Turnbull, Professor of Special Education at University of Kansas and Director of the Beach Center shared personal and professional knowledge of inclusion. Her creative and individualized approach to inclusion for her adult son and her words of wisdom and humor for the early childhood field provided motivation for everyone in attendance.
Ann spoke about the power of supportive individuals outside of "the system" (e.g. family friends, neighbors, college fraternity members, teachers and therapists) in making inclusion work for Jay and their family. The Beach Center facilitates a Community of Practice for families, practitioners, researchers, and policy leaders with an emphasis on taking action that benefits children with disabilities.
For those of you who missed the the Inclusion Institute and Ann
Turnball's presentation, a follow-up discussion, presentation
materials, multimedia clips, and presentation slides can be accessed on
our Special Feature:
2008 Inclusion Institute page. What do teachers and therapists need
to know and be able to do to successfully include children with
disabilities and their families? Join the
post-conference discussion.
keynote was so informative