Starting school is daunting and emotional for everyone.
Starting school with a child with a disability, is a whole different level.
Family Advocacy is an advocacy organisation that supports families across New South Wales to promote and defend the rights and interests of people with developmental disability.
They are bringing their flagship workshop ‘One of the Kids – Building Inclusion at School’ to Tamworth this August, to give families and carers the education they need to make informed decisions for their children with disability in or approaching the school years.
The workshop, which is free of charge, is coming to Tamworth’s Sanctuary Inn on Thursday August 22nd, from 9:30am to 2:30pm.
“This workshop will help you to navigate the school years – transitioning into school, knowing what your children’s rights are, and fundamentally just knowing what is an inclusive education.” said Jacqueline Currey, Disability Advocate with Family Advocacy.
“Inclusive education is about having a child in the mainstream education with all the supports, the adjustments, feeling welcomed, supported and being part of that membership of that classroom.”
Jacqueline is speaking from experience. Thanks to this workshop, her 27-year-old son is living a life she never thought possible when they started his education journey. “This workshop could change your world as it has changed my son’s life,” she said.
“Even though education is only 13 years, it’s the first important stepping stone that can have a massive impact on the rest of their life and that’s why this workshop is great.”
One of the presenters is Ms Jo Cross, a parent from Morpeth, whose daughter Rachael, now an adult, lives with disability.
Ms Cross will be sharing Rachael’s experience attending a regular classroom, and how it set the foundations for Rachael’s inclusive life as an adult.
“I wanted Rachael to be a typical kid and have the same opportunities as other kids her age,” said Ms Cross.
“To enjoy going to school with the other kids in her neighbourhood, sharing the fun and excitement of all aspects of school life: learning, being creative, the fun of sports and swimming carnivals and being a part of a team. One of the outcomes of her inclusive education is that she has many self-perpetuating friendships, and she is valued in her community.”
“Family Advocacy’s events such as ‘One of the Kids’ taught me many skills and strategies to navigate the education system to ensure a genuine inclusive school life”.
“Building an understanding of my daughter’s right to an inclusive education helped strengthen my commitment, resilience and capacity to overcome challenges. Networking with families and building lifelong friendship is a great survival resource for this life adventure. Having the support at the end of a rocky day from likeminded friends and advocates has been invaluable for maintaining my resilience.”
Topics covered in the workshop will include
- Inclusive education – what is it and how will I know when it’s real?
- Adjustments – reasonable and practical classroom strategies
- Communication, collaboration and planning – building a good school relationship
- Meetings – skills and strategies to advocate effectively
- Education and beyond – what do we want from our child’s schooling?
- How the school years can lead to a meaningful life
Workshop details
This workshop is free of charge and includes refreshments available on arrival, lunch and a resource pack.
For details and to register, please visit https://bit.ly/FA-Events-2024
Where: Sanctuary Inn, Tamworth
When: August 22nd
Time: 9:30am to 2:30pm
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