Gaining Support/Approval for the Program

Success of the Yes I Can program depends on obtaining the support of school administration, particularly the building principal and/or assistant principal. It is also important to have the support of special education personnel, including the district’s director of special education and any other special education providers who might be willing to help recruit students or assist in implementing the program. Gathering administrative support insures a solid foundation for the program. This form of support is best obtained through face-to-face meetings with the appropriate administrators during which the idea of enhancing the social inclusion of students with disabilities can be introduced and the program discussed.

Once administrative support is secured, information on the program should be presented to other educational personnel. If a wide variety of teachers and staff are introduced to the Yes I Can purpose and goals, their investment in its success will be enhanced. In addition, many teachers may indicate a willingness to assist in recruitment or implementation. Some strategies for disseminating information to school personnel are:

• Develop a one page flier on the program to place in mailboxes. It should include a contact name and phone number for questions.
• Publish an article about the program in the school newspaper.
• Present the program at a staff meeting.

Of equal importance with the support of school personnel is the support of families, especially for the students with disabilities who enter the program with a sense of social isolation. Often, overcoming social barriers is as much a challenge to the family as to the individual. In some cases, there are family dynamics that inadvertently support isolation, such as fear of “letting go” of the young adult with a disability. Family support is also crucial in facilitating community experiences for student pairs because family members are often responsible for providing transportation and financial support for the students. One strategy for developing this support is to conduct a parent night where parents of all potential students receive information regarding the program and have a chance to ask questions.

An additional way to facilitate the success of the program is to make connections with organizations that provide leisure and recreation opportunities for young adults. Knowledge about the Yes I Can program will allow these organizations to receive program students in a positive manner and support them in meeting program goals. Contact places where young adults without disabilities tend to get together regularly and engage in activities with peers who are approximately the same age (e.g., recreation centers, local YMCA/YWCA, community education programs).