Working With Students With Disabilities

Working With Students With DisabilitiesBobbi Frattobfratto@knights.ucf.edu07/25/11EEX4070

Introduction to the Host SettingUCP (United Cerebral Palsy) of Central Florida.http://www.ucpcfl.org/Located at: 12702 Science DriveOrlando, FL 32826Phone: (407) 852-3300Fax: (407) 281-042235,000 square feet facility21 Classrooms Our unique programs provide an exceptional environment for children and families to learn, and more importantly, grow. Our holistic approach to support, education, and therapy provides one stop shopping to more than 2,400 children who receive all the services they need in one placeStudents range in age from infant/toddler up to third grade.The campus also provides physical, speech and occupational therapy for children with special needs up to age 21.

Engagement ActivitiesCommunity Need: A better understanding of children with disabilities.Activities: Outside/play time, word walls, letter of the day books/activities, art, lunch and snack time.Volunteer Hours: Two-three times a week for two weeks.

Engagement Activities Continued

Participant DemographicsVPK ClassroomAges 4-5Three students were of Latin/Spanish backgroundsStudents with disabilities in the classroom: ThreeAutism, Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome

Perceptions Of DifferencesRewardingDifficult at timesPlay time had the best observation momentsDid not know what toexpect.

Connections to the CourseEEX 4070; Teacher: EdgarTopics I better Understand: 1. Person-first2. Inclusive Schooling3. Teacher Responsibility* For my future classroom, I now have more of the skills and knowledge I will need to ensure students with disabilities can succeed in my classroom.

Civic EngagementImportance: Understanding, skills, knowledgeSocietal purpose: Gives people without/with disabilities a better understanding of working with children, students, teachers, and those with and without disabilities. Improves people skills.Service learning is a necessary experience, especially as a future teacher, to gain knowledge and skills to become a better teacher in your classroom.Teachers and students should embrace service learning now, and in the future

Final Thoughts and Reflectionshttp://www.walknowforautismspeaks.org/site/c.igIRL6PIJrH/b.4356939/k.BF85/Home.htm Autismhttp://www.familiesexploringdownsyndrome.org/events.html Down Syndromehttp://www.bccerebralpalsy.com/calendar.htm Cerebral PalsyTeachers spend almost as much time with their students as the students parents. This means that teachers play a huge role in childrens lives, as they grow, learn and mature. Teachers not only help children academically, but because they spend so much time with them, they help students with right and wrong, and many other areas. Teachers can help parents of students with and without disabilities better understand these children.

UCP