5 Easy Ways to Celebrate Exceptional Children’s Week

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It’s that time of year again. All across our nation, including the great state of Georgia, teachers, students and parents alike will be celebrating Exceptional Children’s Week March 6-10, 2017. This year’s theme is “Taking the ‘Dis’ Out of Disability,” leaving the focus where it should be- on the many abilities of our youth.

“The Council for Exceptional Children initiated Exceptional Children’s Week as a means to educate the public about children with exceptionalities and garner support for special education. Since its inception, this week has served to spotlight the capabilities of children and youth with exceptionalities and the programs that support them in their communities. Special education is making great strides, and, as a result, doors continue to open for students with exceptionalities to achieve academic and life-long personal success. When we invest in the education of students with exceptionalities, we provide them opportunities to become independent, self-sufficient citizens who give back to their communities.” (Counsel of Exceptional Children)

Organizations like Triumph in Life, Inc., a local non-profit located in Metro Atlanta whose mission is to empower students with disabilities, is sponsoring an informative and inspirational presentation aim at teachers and parents entitled “The Not So Famous Side of Successful People with Learning Disabilities” to area schools. This presentation will identify six researched based attributes that predict future success of students with disabilities. It will inspire and give parents and teachers hope concerning the future of their students.

Everyone is encouraged to bring awareness about the issues impacting students with special needs. Join Triumph in Life, Inc. and the countless schools across our country that is bringing awareness to this important issue. If your school or your child’s school needs help with coming up with activities to promote Exceptional Children’s Week, I recommend the following:

1. Present awards to teachers, parents, and local community individuals, such outstanding educator, outstanding employer of persons with disabilities, or parent of the year. This is a good way to recognize their outstanding contribution to students with exceptionalities.
2. Profile historical and famous people with disabilities. Each morning, principles or student leaders can read the profile of successful people with disabilities such as Franklin D. Roosevelt, Whoopi Goldberg, Walt Disney, Stevie Wonder, etc.
3. Sponsor a movie night. Everyone likes a good movie and there are several films about people with disabilities who triumphed in life. To name a few, “Temple Grandin” is about the true story of one woman with autism who succeeds against the odds, or “The King’s Speech,” which is about King George VI of England, who overcomes a severe stammer with the help of a supportive speech therapist.
4. Invite local college students and professionals who have disabilities to speak to students. What a positive way to show all students that even with a disability one still can be successful and lead a successful life? Students will enjoy listening to others stories and asking them questions.
5. Encourage all students to read books about individuals with exceptionalities in their classes. This is a great way to encourage reading and to expose other students to people who may be different or like themselves.

No matter what you do, do something. Make sure you celebrate Exceptional Children’s Week and help spread the word about special education and the accomplishments of children and youth with exceptionalities both students with and without exceptionalities and the community at large.[/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]