PR4 - Awareness-raising Toolkit: Inclusion of children with intellectual disabilities in early childhood education and care
PR4 description:
Design, development, and piloting of a toolkit for ECEC settings with useful and effective resources for raising awareness of the importance of inclusion of children with intellectual disabilities in early childhood education and care (Result 4).
The tools developed within the Toolkit will be created for two different audiences:
- children at pre-school age (both with and without intellectual disabilities),
- adults – parents of pre-school-aged children (with or without intellectual disabilities) and other community members.
These tools will seek to inform and educate these main audiences with the intention of influencing their attitudes, behaviors, and beliefs towards supporting inclusive ECEC environments for children with intellectual disabilities. This will lead to fostering community cultures that empathize with the challenges of intellectual disability, instead of attitudes of avoidance and intentional or unintentional exclusion. Recognizing the value and importance of attending early childhood education and care parents of children with intellectual disabilities will be more encouraged to enroll their children where they can achieve their full potential.
Within the “Awareness-raising TOOLKIT”, you can find different promotional materials that can be utilized for learning-purposes, engagement and discussion-raising within the classroom or home setting.
Specifically, the materials are subdivided into two groups:
- adults (ECEC teachers and parents)
- children (children with and without intellectual disabilities)
Below, you may find the various materials that have been developed:
CHAPTER 3: CHILDREN
POSTERS
1. “Sharing is caring” – promoting sharing and turn-taking skills
- What is sharing and why is it important
- Learning to take turns in games and activities
- Understanding feelings of others when sharing
Download the Poster #1 here
2. How to make your classroom or school more inclusive
- Promoting diversity and inclusion through classroom materials and activities
- Encouraging positive behavior and communication
- Addressing the needs of all learners
Download the Poster #2 here
BROCHURES
1. Understanding different disabilities such as physical, sensory, and intellectual disabilities
- Books and activities to introduce young children to disabilities and foster empathy and understanding
- Tips for parents and caregivers on how to support children with disabilities in the classroom and at home
- Understanding and embracing differences: Teaching children about diversity and inclusion through disability awareness.
Download the Brochure #1 here
2. Celebrating differences and embracing diversity
- Cultivating empathy and kindness in children through multicultural literature and media
- Fun and engaging activities for children to learn about different cultures, traditions, and perspectives
- Tips for parents and caregivers on how to talk to children about race, ethnicity, and diversity in age-appropriate ways.
Download the Brochure #2 here
3. Making Our World Accessible: The importance of accessibility in creating an inclusive environment
- Exploring the different types of accessibility needs and how we can make spaces more inclusive for all
- Fun and interactive ways for children to learn about accessible design and engineering
- Inspiring stories of people with disabilities who have overcome barriers and made a positive impact on the world.
Download the Brochure #3 here
CHAPTER 3: ADULTS
POSTERS
1. Strategies for adapting activities to include children with intellectual disabilities
- Understanding different types of intellectual disabilities and how they may impact a child’s ability to participate in activities
- Adapting sports, games, and other recreational activities to make them accessible and enjoyable for children with intellectual disabilities
- Tips for parents, caregivers, and educators on how to create inclusive environments that support the needs of children with intellectual disabilities.
Download the Poster #1 here
2. Tips for creating an inclusive environment, including accessibility and sensory considerations
- Universal design for learning: Adapting teaching methods and materials to meet the needs of all learners, including those with disabilities
- Strategies for making classrooms and learning spaces more accessible and accommodating for students with sensory disabilities
- Tips for creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for students with disabilities, including physical, sensory, and intellectual disabilities.
Download the Poster #2 here
3. The role of peer support and mentorship in promoting inclusion
- Creating peer support programs for students with disabilities to foster social connections and build self-esteem
- The benefits of mentorship for students with disabilities, including academic, social, and emotional support
- Strategies for promoting inclusive leadership and mentorship opportunities for students with disabilities in extracurricular activities and community organizations
Download the Poster #3 here
BROCHURES
1. Assistive technologies that help people with disabilities
- Overview of different types of assistive technologies, including those for physical, sensory, and cognitive disabilities
- Practical examples of how assistive technologies can improve accessibility and support independence for individuals with disabilities
- Strategies for selecting and implementing assistive technologies in education, employment, and daily living contexts.
Download the Brochure #1 here
2. How to promote empathy for children and respect towards others who have disabilities
- Tips for promoting empathy and respect towards individuals with disabilities through classroom activities and discussions
- Strategies for addressing bullying and discrimination against individuals with disabilities in schools and communities
- The role of disability awareness and education in promoting empathy, respect, and inclusion for individuals with disabilities.
Download the Brochure #2 here
3. Advocating for inclusive policies and practices in schools and other community settings
- Advocating for disability rights and accommodations in schools and other community settings
- Strategies for building coalitions and collaborating with stakeholders to promote inclusive policies and practices
- The importance of data-driven advocacy and policy development to support individuals with disabilities and their families
Download the Brochure #3 here
Check the awareness-raising ToolKit with useful and effective resources for the importance of inclusion of children with intellectual disabilities in early childhood education and care.
- English version
- Greek version
- Polish version
- Macedonian version