I saw an amazing story about inclusion that I must share. First, I will tell you, that when inclusion began with the IDEA Act, I became a better teacher. I also think my students became kinder and gentler kids, because they had the chance to see life through a different set of eyes. Although I am not a fan of labeling students, I am a fan of setting high expectations for everyone, regardless of the disability.
There is a group called the Beautiful Lives Project. https://www.beautifullives.org/ Started by Bryce Weiler, the group gives folks with disabilities the chance to do something they would normally not do. Bryce is blind. He had the opportunity to be a part of the University of Evansville basketball team for 4 seasons, and he said that experience changed his entire outlook on life. Consequently, he creates and provides ways for others to experience something equally special. I love this line from their webpage about their cause: "They believe that when people can stop focusing on disabilities and abilities, they will start to see what people are able to achieve and what they can offer to others."
The Beautiful Lives Project has already created 20 events from Boston to Minneapolis - all centered around baseball. Bryce secures the right to use a minor league baseball park on a day when the field is empty, and then, working with the minor league team players, they create a chance for kids with disabilities to have an amazing experience inside the ball park. The link below shows the richness and importance of such an inclusive event for so many people!
I love this story, and even more, I love that the group's founder, Bryce Weiler, has been expanding his circle of experiences to include broadcasting baseball games! This is a first, I think - a blind man at the microphone, calling plays. Bryce has a message for all of us: "Surround yourself with people who believe in you."
I hope you can spare a few minutes to be uplifted by watching this story about the Beautiful Lives Project! You will be touched and inspired!
https://www.cbsnews.com/video/nonprofit-stages-baseball-games-for-people-with-disabilities/#x
Visit Dede's web page for complete details on her award-winning book, STUDENT TEACHING: THE INSIDE SCOOP FROM A MASTER TEACHER. Many colleges have made the book required reading. Signed copies are available www.dederittman.com Dede is also a national speaker on The Three C's for Classroom success: Confidence, communication, and Creativity; Avoiding Teacher burnout; and many other inspirational topics.
I LOVE writing. And I love writing children's books- my newest passion. Although it will be a ton of work, I am looking forward to selling my books. Since I was a secondary teacher, I know that I have much to learn about elementary students, and I will have to follow my own advice and be my genuine self. However, I also know that I am passionate about helping kids who have to wear glasses, and that GRADY GETS GLASSES sends a positive message. I am willing to work hard and do all the things that also made me a successful teacher for 37
Teacher friends- let me know if you want me to read GRADY GETS GLASSES at your school. I am willing to come in to discuss the creative writing process, why writing is important, and personal fulfillment through writing, along with reading my book. I would appreciate the exposure, and I would make signed copies available for purchase in your classrooms following the reading. Please email me at dederittman@gmail.com The website www.gradygetsglasses.com now has plush Grady bunnies for sale!
Connect with Dede!
Twitter @dederittman
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