by Angela Guerriero
I’m very passionate about the topic of inclusion: inclusion in schools, communities, and especially music therapy groups! I believe that we all learn from one another – I know that I learn so much from my clients each day. They often possess fantastic talents and gifts. They always challenge me to look at something differently than I would have initially thought to look.
I see how children interact socially as well as in therapy groups, and I am fascinated by the often innate ability of some of the children. They just know how to best interact with peers with disabilities. Sometimes, it seems they just know to accept and include everyone, perhaps realizing that we all have more commonalities than differences. As I was thinking about what to write, a 9-year-old came in this evening for a piano lesson and told me about a speech that she is giving in school on Friday. I asked her to tell me about it, and she excitedly recited the entire speech. I believe it sums up the idea of inclusion.
“Include Me”
Today you will notice some people are wearing yellow shirts that say “Include Me.” You are probably wondering what “Include Me” means. “Include Me” means: accept people with disabilities and let them interact with you without hurting them or hurting their feelings. For example, people with disabilities may not have control of their body, may not talk, or may look or act a little different from us.
Anyway, if you see people with disabilities at the park, school, sports fields, stores, or anywhere else, you should say hello or play with them. Don’t be afraid to interact with them. Always remember that they’re still special inside — just like us.
– By Tatiana