Internet Explorations

The internet provides a valuable source to explore issues related to segregation and inclusion, people with disabilities in school and society, and inclusive teaching. Following are some Internet Explorations in which you might be interested.

1. What are the experiences of parents? What are the experiences that parents have related to schooling and their children,particularly when they seek inclusive education? What are different perspectives that parents bring to inclusion and what influences their views? Go to the Our Kids list or the archives of the Inclusion Listserv and read messages and dialogue among parents. What does this tell you?

2. Information for parents. Too often parents are not aware of inclusive teaching nor their rights related to least restrictive environment. Many parents report that schools do not provide information about inclusive education. Use information provided in InclusiveNet for Chapter 3 and InclusiveNet for the Student Learning Center to develop an information guide for families about inclusive education.

3. Support for families. Families with children with disabilities often have many challenges and need assistance and support. Visit websites provided in InclusiveNet for Chapter 3 and explore needs of families and strategies being used to provide support.

4. Resources for families of children with disabilities in your state. Review the types of support programs and resources discussed in Chapter 3. Search for sites online in your state's department of education, human resources / welfare, and mental health to identify local and state resources for families.

5. Connecting with community resources. Throughout the United States, efforts are underway to strengthen communities for families and children. Visit websites on these community building efforts in InclusiveNet for Chapter 3 . Thinking about the ideas presented in Chapter 3, how might you use these resources in a school? How might they help parents and children with special needs?