how about including him in general school activities: plays, the band, chorus, etc. He is NEVER nominated or encouraged to do such things
does he volunteer for those things? I don’t understand why he would need to be “nominated”, has he actually expressed a desire to the school to do those things?
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Hell, I don’t know. What kids at the elementary level usually DO express a desire to do these things? ...these things are usually carried out by kids who are pushed to do it by teachers, or peers, or whomever.
Perhaps my son would like to do something like this, but certainly at times cannot express that he would like to do it ...and he certainly won’t be invited or encouraged to do it. This is the problem ...and you are NOT getting this.
I suppose you are of the type that feels that since children with special needs don’t “seem” to want or desire the things that normal children desire, that it’s ok not to enable them to do it ...well, how do you know that? Can you see inside their hearts? They do have the SAME desires and needs as any of us ...the desire for friendship, for acceptance, for inclusion ... but rarely are these needs met.
for friendship, for acceptance, for inclusion
So this isn't about being in plays, band or chorus or raising the flag on the flagpole. If he is able to do those things it would be a simple matter of asking.
So when other kids sign up for things, they should do what? read his heart and use a crystal ball to discern how to include the kids who didn't sign up? If you don't even know, how can you expect the school to know?
Here is an idea. Find out what your child is interested in, find out what role he can play and then go to the school and actually ask/goad them into letting your child participate.
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Not so serious--> The kid in the picture, if feels left out, he should sign up for wrestling or the swim team. :p
Will what do the other children do in order to be nominated? I doubt your son is the only one who is not nominated. So it might not be because he has special needs. It might simply be that another student met the criteria for nomination when other students didn’t.
You can always find out from his teacher what type of accomplishments the students get recognition for and work with your son to make it a reality for him. If she tells you things that are simply impossible for your son to accomplish because of his disability you should gently but firmly remind her that she is essentially denying him access to an important part of his education and suggest ways for him to participate. If she does not get this you need to remind her that your son has a right to this access.
It might help to speak with the teacher and whoever was involved with the development of his IEP. You can ask for adjustments to the plan. You can also request an Aid for him if you think one is necessary to make sure he is able to participate as equally as possible in school activities.