Inclusive Education Initiative

School's out for summer!  As the school year ends, we are taking a look at what worked and what didn't work during our pilot year of collaborating with the schools in Tuscarawas County.  As part of this collaboration, we partnered with the Autism Education Research Institute (AERI) to assist and provide support in schools for kids who are eligible for DD services and need a little extra help and attention to succeed in their education.  Over the past few years, TuscBDD has been working with the districts to identify areas where they could use some extra support when working with youth who have complex needs.  The main area that the schools expressed that help was needed was in "behavior support." 

Since some children with disabilities have difficulty functioning in a typical classroom setting, accommodations may be needed.  Partnering with AERI was our answer to help provide the support that these students and their teachers need.  We have learned a lot over this past year and, overall, I would have to say the pilot year was a success.  As an SSA who works primarily with children who attend our local school systems, I've seen the direct effects of including AERI's consultations and support in classrooms.  

As we move forward and grow our collaboration with the school systems, we aim to support individuals with developmental disabilities live the life that they deserve; a life of happiness and fulfillment.  No longer will we focus only on adults with developmental disabilities.  Supporting these children through the early stages of their lives helps set them up for success in their future.      

Ray Snyder

Service and Support Administrator  

Thu, Jun 29th, 2017