Practising Inclusion in a Leadership Class

In my senior high Leadership class, I include students from Grades 10, 11 and 12. I generally have one or two students who have an intellectual disability in this class. The range in grade levels and abilities is an important aspect of the Leadership learning that takes place. Students work in groups of 7 or 8. Among other activities, the students plan school events such as an International Day and fundraising for Sick Kids Hospital. These are fun activities that call out our students’ creativity and capacity to work together. I have noticed that when the educational assistants accompany their students in the groups, the other students do not address the student with a disability directly but wait for the EA to facilitate his or her involvement. For this reason, the EA’s do other tasks during the Leadership class and I ask the students in the group specifically to include the student with a disability. Usually, I name one student to ensure this happens. This has proven to be a good way for students with and without a disability to actually meet and get to know each other.

Bonita Latchman, Teacher, (back centre) with students and EA, TCDSB, Toronto, ON