Social Futures school facilitators, Maree Jenner and Prue McCarthy showcased the impact of the organisation's Inclusion in Schools programs at the National Disability Summit in Melbourne. The full suite of programs reach more than 9,000 students annually, creating positive change in participating regional NSW schools and for our young leader's of tomorrow.
Social Futures school facilitators, Maree Jenner and Prue McCarthy, presented at the National Disability Summit 18-19 September at Crown Promenade, Melbourne.
Based in the Central Coast and Central West NSW, respectively, Ms Jenner and Ms McCarthy spoke on the impact achieved in regional schools through not-for-profit Social Futures’ Inclusion in Schools programs.
The full suite of programs reach more than 9,000 students annually. Their impact is so significant because students get to meet, learn about, and speak with people with disability.
Social Futures Senior Manager, Capacity Building and Engagement, Lynda Hope, said “It is lifechanging for students and teachers to have this candid opportunity to sit in front of someone with disability, who says ‘Ask me anything’.
Students have asked questions such as:
“What is it like to be you?”
“When did you realise that you were different?”
“Sometimes are you sad?”
The students feel comfortable enough to approach facilitators after sessions and tell them about their own invisible disabilities, and of their bullying experiences as a result of being different.
Around 15% of students participating in the Inclusion in Schools programs live with disability, as do 5.5 million Australians across the country.
Changes in the way children treat each other following the sessions are evident. A teacher sharing this comment, “Today we observed one of our students (who in the past has excluded others from play) purposefully and with genuine care, include a student with disability…in the recess soccer game. I feel this was as a result of this program.”
Classrooms are becoming more welcoming and easier for students with disability to access. Schools are widening doorways, installing ramps, repainting lines to be more visible, and building programs into curriculums.
“We are now incorporating inclusive sports into our PE classes. Sports like adaptive soccer and various blind sports using a ball with a bell,” said a participating teacher.
Students have a better awareness and understanding of disability. Several students with disabilities have reported that they feel more included and accepted. Mainstream students are speaking and playing with special education students whereas they didn’t previously.
Another teacher shared, “I have more one-on-one conversations with students with disability around what works for them at home and how we can implement these changes at school rather than approaching it from a department level.”
Principals have also expressed a realisation that their schools should be employing more teachers with disability. As one put it, “It is really important for our students with disability to see adults with disability leading full lives.”
Social Futures is a National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) partner, working with communities, schools and workplaces to promote inclusion for people with disability. Because everybody has a right to feel included and welcomed in our communities.
NSW Central Coast and Central West primary schools interested in participating in Social Futures free Inclusion in Schools programs, can call 1800 522 679 or to download information visit https://socialfutures.org.au/inclusion-in-schools/
