WYC 149 – Athletes with special needs – Amanda Selogie & Vickie Brett talk leveling the playing field

Amanda and Vickie practice Special Education law in Southern California. They also run a non-profit called Inclusive Education Project where they aim to level the playing field in academic settings for students living with disabilities. They co-host their own weekly podcast by the same name - the Inclusive Education Project Podcast and they feature conversations on how parents and teachers can best ensure an inclusive school environment.

Website: http:www.iepcalifornia.org

Podcast: Inclusive Education Project Podcast:  www.iepcalifornia.org/blog

Facebook: /IEPcalifornia

Twitter: @IEPcalifornia

Listen Now:

Listen on iTunes: iTunes link

Listen on Stitcher: Stitcher link

Listen on Google Play Music: Google Play link-

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A different approach

Kids learn differently - kids with special needs might need things slowed down, show visually, or some other approach

Utilize the parents - they have lots of techniques that work well with their child

Peer role models and buddy systems work great, and benefit not only the kid with special needs but equally (if not more) it benefits the peer role model

Positive reinforcement is much more effective than negative reinforcement. Catch them doing something right

Breaking down skills into small pieces

The steps: Hearing what you're being asked to do, then seeing what you need to do, then physically doing it. Sometimes actually taking their arm or leg and doing the motion for them.

Handling emotions with kids with special needs

Address it, don't hide from it. Handle it the same as you would with any kid who gets upset - address it, teach them what is acceptable. Then re-focus them.

The parents are a great resource to get ideas

Reach out to the school to get more inclusive

P.E. teachers, school administrators could recommend a few kids that could be good candidates to join your team

Favorite Quotes

Quote: 'Clear eyes, full hearts, can't lose' - Friday Night Lights

Quote: 'All of us do not have equal talents. But all of us should have an equal opportunity to develop our talents.' - JFK

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