bcedaccess:

Chantelle had some great points in her presentation. Children with disabilities have always been something that is close to my heart as my sister has a learning disability and is on the autism spectrum. I have learned strategies throughout my life to understand and speak to my sister. I found people to be unaware of what it even means by being on the autism spectrum or the different types of learning disabilities there are. I feel like people need to be more aware of what that means. I think it amazing that Chantelle’s non-profit has provided support for parents during covid-19. I never really thought about the fact that kindergarten teachers could be the first person to really see a child’s disability without being diagnosed. There are so many disabilities that I am unaware of and I feel as a teacher we should be educated in the diversity we will endure in our classroom. There are many great resources like headphones, google read and write, and sensory corners.

Breakout room:

We talked through each question. We did not know what an AAC device so we had to google it. It is basically a way of communicating or a speech device and some look like tablets. Chantelle said it is for children who are non-verbal. We said communication is key in building relationships with parents whether it is emailing back and forth or having weekly check-ins or reflections on how their child is doing. I think also it is important to ask and get involved in each child’s life by taking interest in their hobbies.

Discussion:

I like how one of my peers mentioned the idea of writing “what I wish my teacher knew about me” to be able to connect to them. I think that is such a cool idea.

I have never heard of the exclusion tracker before. I went onto the BCEdAccess website and read a little more about it. I cannot believe that adults would send a child with a disability home, or be asked to stay home. I also do not agree with sending the child to the resource room during activities because you never want a student to feel excluded or different.

Chantelle also said that technology to help students with disabilities isn’t always the answer and sometimes it doesn’t help and it depends on the child.

I am very thankful Chantelle came and spoke to us today as I learned a lot.