Inclusive schools

It is said it takes a village to raise a child, and Woodend primary school has embraced this throughout 2022 by collaborating with a team of specialist educators, allied health therapists, and families to create an inclusive learning environment for Koa, a student with Down syndrome.

Despite health concerns and Covid-19 impacting his attendance throughout 2022, the goal of providing an inclusive learning program was achieved. Koa is successfully participating and learning in the classroom with his peers, thanks to the support of his education team.

Gabby Aschberger, Orana’s Education Consultant, worked with school staff to observe Koa in class and meet with his teacher and School Service Officers (SSO’s). The school implemented recommendations to establish a work system for Koa in class.

Koa has his own desk located close to a set of draws containing learning and reward activities. Learning tasks, target Koa’s goals identified though the Abilities Based Learning and Educational Support (ABLES) assessment tool, and allied health recommendations.

Koa uses a First-Then visual and a timer to indicate when a task is completed. He is responding positively to activities chosen from one of four colour-coded draws.

Once a term, educators, family members, and allied health specialists gather for a Team Around the Child meeting to discuss Koa’s progress and plan next steps.

A recent 12-month review of his goals revealed fantastic progress in most learning areas as well as gains in his social and physical development.

Congratulations, Koa and his educational team!

Orana’s Education Consultants work with families, educators, and therapists to support and coordinate a holistic approach to successful inclusion at school for children with Down syndrome, other chromosomal disorders, and intellectual disability.