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- - 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 -- Reviews are the lifeblood of the podcast!- If you like the podcast- please take 2 minutes to write a review! Click here - Ready to be an Awesome Youth Coach? Sign up for our free weekly newsletter: SaveSave