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A Special Note to Instructors
Share the commitment; share the vision;
together, we will enrich each other.
– It’s Never Too Early, It’s Never Too Late*
The Yes I Can Program is about commitment. It is based on a vision of sharing, of caring, of developing relationships and the sensitivity to see and accept everyone’s contribution...the result of which is mutual enrichment.
There are two keys to the success of this program:
- Clear, open and frequent communication, and
- A willingness to consider emotions.
As an instructor, it is important throughout the program that you communicate with other instructors and staff within your school about the social inclusion of students with disabilities. In some schools, this communication has resulted in new collaborations between teachers, with resources from Yes I Can being incorporated into other classes. It is also important to take advantage of opportunities to advocate and educate within the broader school community regarding the social inclusion of all students. This, in turn, will help you build confidence and trust among the students taking part in the Yes I Can program.
It is additionally important that you feel comfortable dealing with the emotional needs of Yes I Can students. You will have to understand and facilitate the peer-friendship aspect of their relationships.
Understanding these two distinct – yet equally important – facets of the program will greatly enhance your probability of success. As a professional involved in the Yes I Can program, you are more than just an advocate for students with disabilities. You are also a facilitator for the social and emotional growth of all students participating in the program.
* Reference: Mount, B. and Zwernik, K. (1988). It’s Never Too Early, It’s Never Too Late.
St. Paul, MN: Minnesota Planning Council on Developmental Disabilities
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