Inclusion Week 2020 - Part 1

For the third consecutive year, we conducted the awareness week on the same theme of embracing differences. This year, we focused on understanding autism. It is an area that people are less informed and quick to form judgments or ostracise autistic people. Fundamentally I think it is about being 'patient / open minded' and learning 'effective communication'.

We often expect people to interact in a way that fits our communication style. How about a paradigm shift to ask 'what do I need to understand and connect with people even if they might appear different from me?' Think this warrants a separate post on its own. :)

Our training model evolved due to certain constraints. Glad to have collaborated with like-minded friends in the school. We trained a small group of students who volunteered instead. It was providence that a graduated student of mine wanted to advocate for autism and you'll see him in the video of the live stream later. I am extremely proud of his growth in his journey from self-acceptance to advocacy.

Alright, let's take a look at the posters they did!

Inclusion wall - we combined the space for students' reflections with the purple pillar. Staff and students tie a purple ribbon to show their support for inclusion. The wall was manned by different students during their breaks.

That's me prepping the students on duty as they were nervous on Day 1.

Day 2 - ribbons filling the wall!

Students voted for the top reflection and answered a fun quiz on the special guest*.

These reflections were the product of the CCE lesson that the LST prepared on understanding autism.