Yes I Can: A Social Inclusion Curriculum for Students with and without Disabilities. Instructor's Guide.

N

416

Practitioners; Teachers

Community Programs; Disabilities; Inclusive Schools; Interpersonal Competence; Interpersonal Relationship; Peer Acceptance; Peer Relationship; Secondary Education; Social Integration; Teaching Guides

This curriculum to foster the inclusion of students with disabilities is designed to be offered by educators in junior and senior high school settings. It is intended to bring together students with and without disabilities for classroom instruction, discussion, and experiential learning. The experiential component pairs students with disabilities who are experiencing social isolation and peers who serve as inclusion facilitators, in order to plan and participate in social and recreational activities in the community, identify and minimize barriers to inclusion, and expand students' social skills and options. The introduction offers guidelines for initiating and implementing the program, including getting administrative support and recruiting students. The 20 lessons combine disability-specific information with interpersonal skill building and practical experience in community settings. Among the topics covered by the lessons are: how people are alike, myths and misconceptions, quality-of-life issues, friendship, communicating with others, characteristics and needs of persons with autism and mental retardation, characteristics and needs of persons with physical and other disabilities, enhancing sensitivity, teamwork, legal and human rights, being an advocate, and self-determination. Lesson plans typically include an objective, a statement of key learning, a list of needed materials, suggestions for instructor preparation, a detailed lesson plan, and activity sheets. Attached is a list of associated videotapes and sample program forms. (DB)

1997

ED407774