What’s Happening in Special Education?
(Article submitted by Allison Abitong)
In the past two and a half months, Special Education Program (SEP) Manager, Biidaaban Kinoomaagegamik’s Principal, and School Health Support Services, worked together to bring in specialized Picture Exchange Communications (PECs) Training for the Daycare Staff and 3 Educational Assistants from Biidaaban.
What is Picture Exchange Communications (PECs)?
The Picture Exchange Communication System®, or PECS®, allows people with little or no communication abilities to communicate using pictures. People using PECS are taught to approach another person and give them a picture of a desired item in exchange for that item. By doing so, the person is able to initiate communication. A child or adult with autism can use PECS to communicate a request, a thought, or anything that can reasonably be displayed or symbolized on a picture card. PECS works well in the home or in the classroom. Cited: https://nationalautismresources.com.
The SEP Manager worked collaboratively with the Principal of Biidaaban, Daycare Manager, and Life-Long Learning Centre (LLLC) Manager to develop and review the Special Education Plan. The first draft is complete, and the second draft is being completed in the near future. Work has been done synergistically within all sectors of education including secondary, post-secondary and adult learners. Currently, the SEP Manager is working with external agencies to provide support for ‘high needs’ students where gaps have been identified.
Coming soon: SEP Manager, Biidaaban Kinoomaagegamik’s Principal, School Health Support Services and the Parent/Teacher Advisory Group (PTAG) will host the Children’s Community Network Autism Consultant, Jenne Atkinson. She will provide information to Biidaaban Kinoomaagegamik and Daycare staff during the April 7 PD Day. For parents and any interested community members, an evening session on April 7 from 5-7pm at Biidaaban (supper provided) will offer an opportunity to ask questions, and seek strategies and support for a child who is on the Autism spectrum. Support for the caregiver will also be discussed.