The Formed Podcast Supporting Students with Disabilities | Stephanie Gossard
Dec 4, 2024
In this engaging discussion, Stephanie Gossard, Content Manager for ABLE Ministries and a seasoned Disability Coordinator, offers crucial insights into supporting students with disabilities. She shares a practical approach to inclusion by using spiritual IEP forms and emphasizes the importance of educating peers to prevent bullying. Stephanie suggests facility accommodations like ramps and sensory rooms to enhance accessibility. Plus, she provides do's and don'ts for inclusive teaching, empowering educators to embrace all learners with confidence.
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Create A Short Spiritual IEP
- Use the student's public-school IEP to create a 15-question "spiritual IEP" with the parent and teacher.
- Share the short, simple form with all helpers so everyone knows specific supports and motivations.
Ask Simple, Practical Questions
- Ask parents to describe the child's disability in simple terms and list classroom needs (snack, singing, sensory).
- Note what motivates the child so lessons and rewards can be tailored to engage them.
Normalize Brain Differences Through Education
- Educate peers about brain differences so differences aren't labeled or bullied.
- Teaching kids early normalizes fidgets, movement, and varied needs as part of God's design.