As a teacher at Easter Seals, one of my greatest goals is to achieve a classroom environment in which all of my students can succeed and feel capable. Teaching in an inclusive environment can be both a challenge and a reward. In our program, it is because of teamwork, collaboration and sharing of resources that we are able to create the least restrictive of environments with the maximum amount of tools for success.

I have to admit, I was intimidated when I first learned that a young girl with Autism was going to be joining our classroom. I wanted to make sure that I was doing everything right to support her while maintaining equal supports for every other child in the classroom, whether typically developing or not. My intimidation was greeted by an extremely dedicated and gracious parent who immediately presented herself as my partner. The communication and on-going collaboration put forth by our teaching team and this parent is the reason that this young girl has grown in so many ways.

We began the school year with a few solid goals: improving her ability to socialize with peers and enhancing her ability to communicate wants and needs through a P.E.C.S device in order to achieve more independence. I honestly feel that in the months since that time, we have witnessed the emergence of a personality. This young girl has made tremendous leaps in such a short period. It is a challenging road and will continue to be, but the rewards have been remarkable.

My most memorable moments have been watching her smile and laugh, still with wondering eyes, as she bounced to the tune of a song in front of a group of peers, who clapped and cheered the words “We have a friend and she is very nice...jump, jump friend!” And again, when she pulled me by the hand to a table and proceeded to spell out with visual cards “I want – walk – toilet” after months and months of changing wet clothes. And yet again, as her small hand waved goodbye just before leaving school for the day. These tiny moments are pictures of success.

Seeing her grow has been a changing experience not just for the teaching staff, but for the entire group of children as well. We have been able to observe the differences among us as a group and create a community of learners who support one another. No, this is not always the picture perfect image of our classroom, but there are enough instances to prove it is true. It has been enough for me to observe another child going out of their way to take her by the hand and lead her to a group activity, making it obvious that our children are learning from each other the value of co-existence and an appreciation for togetherness.

Clare Killy