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hvparent.com n Hudson Valley Parent 17 'HOLYHULQJ 6SHFLDO(GXFDWLRQ with &RPSDVVLRQDWH&DUH Serving children ages 5-21 • NYSED Funded Certifi ed Program • Strong Teacher/ Therapy Collaboration • Integrated Assistive Technology +DHV'D6FKRRO3URJUDP IRU6SHFLDO&KLOGUHQ 3374 Franklin Avenue Millbrook, NY 12545 education" — a movement that integrates special-ed students with non-special-ed students — but also the rest of the student body. According to Adelman, inclu- sion in the classroom has several key benefits: Empathic development "We are social creatures who need each other, and the best way to a better society is to have empathy for our fellow human beings," he says. During the 1990s, inclusion of special-ed students jumped from 48 percent to 70 percent, accord- ing to the U.S. Department of Education. Despite concerns at the time about teachers' ability to attend to the needs of all their students in such classes, a Zigmond and Baker study showed teachers did not lose their effectiveness. The famous study also showed that the students treated each other better in general. Chil- dren learn that everyone needs help from time to time, and it's as gratifying to provide it as to receive it. Diversity and the real world Children who attend inclusive schools, where all children are mainstreamed, are better able to navigate the complexities of our diverse adult society, says Adelman. Students with and without spe- cial needs benefit from exposure to classmates who face different life circumstances. Studies from the National Center for Special Education Research, among oth- ers from throughout the world, support claims of mutual benefit from special-ed and non-special- ed students with integration. For a well-rounded character and personality, young people need to be exposed to the many faces of humanity in terms of race, economic background and 'Children learn that everyone needs help from time to time, and it's as gratifying to provide it as to receive it.' — Sean Adelman those with special needs. In addi- tion to this personal edification, a professional career demands social grace and comfort in a diverse work environment. The meaning of friendship Children need to develop social skills and to know how to create and sustain meaningful friend- ships for a healthy adult life. "We may lose wealth, youth, health, and spouses," he says. "Friends, however, are often the most reliable emotional resource in life. Friends must learn to accept one another's limitations and flaws, and to complement one another's weaknesses by con- tributing their strengths. Friends also quickly learn that superficial differences are far less import- ant than shared values, trust and humor." Article provided by News & Experts Sean Adelman is a father of three, including his daughter Dev, a teenager with Down syndrome. Adelman is writing a Nancy Drew- style detective series, whose main character has Down syndrome. He says all students benefit when classrooms include children with special needs. cardinal hayes day school program for special children