Raising Funding and Awareness for Inclusion for all with Special Needs
Feeling included is a huge part of our human nature. My Autistic son so far has not developed the spatial awareness of not always being included in activities. Sometimes is due to his sensitivity to environment around him, other times his own behaviors and lack of speech limit his inclusion. We work hard everyday to help him develop social and verbal skills. He can communicate with sign language, so I would like to see sign language offered to all students to help eliminate the communication barrier for my son and other children like him.
Team - Ready, Set, Go !!! is racing for Johnathan
Johnathan is our almost 4 year old son. He is Autistic with ADHD, Behavioral Disorder and Speech Delay. He's our pride and joy, our frustration and sorrow. In so many ways he appears to be a normal kid, but the differences are substantial and it's heartbreaking to see him not participate with peers. Whether its his lack of communication, or his intrusive behaviors, he is still just a kid. A kid who needs to be included, not secluded or left behind.
Team - Ready, Set, Go !!! is racing in order to help raise awareness that difference does not mean less. He can do so much! He surprisingly excels at tasks that normal kids his age have not even come close to mastering yet. He can read a 1st grade book outloud by sight and with comprehension of the context of the text. But, he cannot carry on a conversation with anyone. He knows sign language and this skill is very useful, but not enough people know it yet. It's another goal we are trying to raise funding for - to get sign language included in all school cirriculum so that he can be included without having to rely solely on verbal communication.