Special Needs Children Integration in Society

Introduction

Child integration is the inclusion of children with special needs in the participation of daily activities with families, communities as well as in mainstream schools. The main goal is to prevent these children from isolation and help them to learn as well as access an education curriculum. To achieve better integration, we need to know how to manage the environment and how to adapt ourselves.  Below are some tips which could help make integration easier and possible:

For schools:

• Offering alternative seating arrangements is a great way to support children with challenges.
• Limiting visual clutter on walls can help reduce distractions for children.
• Play soft music during the day to help with sensory stimulation.
• Reduce the noise level in the classroom.
• Changing the amount of lighting or dimming lights can help children with autism or visual sensory dysfunction.
• Each child must have an Individual Education Plan (IEP) that highlights their strengths and weaknesses and include the learning goals.
• Provide extra 1:1 support when necessary.
• Use different learning resources including visuals, auditory, kinetic and tactile.
• The teacher needs to have open communication with the parents, in addition, to include them in the learning plan of their child.

For parents:

• Parents must be well aware of their child’s condition.
• Accept your child.
• Spend time playing with your child, children tend to learn better through play.
• Believe in your child and let him/her know that he/she can do more than expected.
• Participation and cooperation with schools also can help the process of integration.
• Give your child the opportunity to join playgroups and extra-curricular activities.
• Expose your child to a different environment by visiting malls, parks and play areas.