This online discussion will critically unpack the idea that students with disability should participate in age-appropriate activities. We will examine the theoretical underpinnings of this idea and whether it helps or hinders students with disability to live a good life.

We will provide suggestions to:

Augment and expand student's interests, without removing activities considered inappropriate.
Reframe the idea of 'age-appropriate' to consider special interests as legitimate hobbies.
Find respectful ways of utilising activities or objects that the student finds meaningful.
Understand choice from a disability-rights perspective.

Intended Audience:

Teachers/ educators in all year levels, parents and other professionals.

Presenter:

Dr Leanne Longfellow is the director of Inclusive Education Planning. She has taught in a variety of education settings over a thirty year period and is passionate about inclusive education and social justice.

Testimonials from previous workshops:

'I loved that the topics covered and information expressed was applicable to all students not just those with special needs. It’s a whole class approach too! Very practical!' Nicole Zacher

'I liked the way the professional learning was presented with strategies to support behaviours.' Amelia Pickard

'Clear and to the point. Relatable to school environment. Do-able'. Marie Foreman'

Full of information and examples, scenarios and ideas to take away. Talk time at the end of the session was good to be able to discuss different strategies'. Leesa

'I liked the examples during the slideshow. Breakdown of behaviour management strategies used now and overtime and how they have/ haven’t worked.' Alison McConachy

'Informative. Practical ideas for students with learning disabilities.' Helen Braley

'The strategies were clearly set out and identified and explained thoroughly.' Emily Shepherd

'This workshop exceeded all my expectations.' Abbie Kemp