What is REALISE and how did it start?
Suzanne: I founded REALISE (Realizing Excellence for Alternative Learners In Special Education) in 2011, when my daughter entered the Pre-K program at North End School. At that time the program was only for children with special needs. The Pre-K students didn’t have a music program at all. They didn’t even have a weekly class with the music teacher because the schedule didn’t allow for it. Most of the Pre-K students had challenges in the area of speech. Research has shown that music helps to develop speech in children with speech delays. I spoke with my daughter’s case manager about this. They suggested going to the North End FSA (Faculty School Association) and starting a committee to support students with special needs in the school. I went to the FSA meeting and asked for this committee, and it was approved. My goal initially was to get music in to the Pre-K. I researched Music Therapy programs and wrote for a grant to fund this program. The grant was approved and Music Therapy was then added to the Pre-K program. After the funding from the grant was depleted, the district took over funding for the program.
What are some goals REALISE has achieved in the past?
Suzanne: REALISE grew from a North End committee to a town-wide parent/guardian group for families who have students that receive services through Cedar Grove. REALISE works very closely with the Chris Kinney, the director of the Special Education department in Cedar Grove. REALISE provides social opportunities for children and families. In the past we have arranged Coffee Talks and Parents Night Out. We have also organized Family Play Dates, End of Extended School Year Celebrations, Story Times and Social Clubs. Additionally, REALISE facilitates Autism Awareness Activities in the schools and in the community, with the public library, during April. REALISE has worked to enhance the curriculum in the public schools to teach understanding and acceptance.
K-12 students have had a challenging year and a half of school, transitioning to brand new remote learning platforms and now returning to the classroom. All students need our support, but how can we best support students with special needs as they navigate both their personal challenges and the return to classrooms?
Suzanne: I think that most children form their opinions from the example set by their parents/guardians. When parents and guardians react by being overwhelmed to all of the educational changes, children tend to internalize those emotions and react similarly. As parents/guardians, I think the best that we can do is to react calmly to changes and display flexibility and patience. As they say on an airplane, “use the oxygen mask on yourself first, and then help others.”
K-12 students have faced a lot of trauma and disruption during the pandemic. Do you believe there's trauma specific to students with special needs that we should consider as they return to school?
Suzanne: All children, including children with special needs are resilient. Life is unpredictable. Maintaining health and happiness during this pandemic has given us the opportunity to discover and learn coping strategies. This is the most important life lesson our children could ever learn. Many students with special needs have specific challenges being flexible and dealing with change. This is an enormous and essential learning opportunity for those students. As parents/guardians and teachers of course we do need to realize that some of our students will need more time to adjust and get acclimated than others. Maintaining routines at home and allowing our children time to unwind is also essential.
What kinds of support can special needs families benefit from as they return to school and to receiving services outside the home? Can you recommend any resources?
Suzanne: Many children with special needs will benefit from the return to the structure that the school day provides. Many of the outside providers are returning to in-person therapies as well.
What does REALISE hope to achieve in the future? What's a reach goal and how can the community help REALISE to achieve that goal?
Suzanne: In the future I am hopeful that REALISE will continue to support families who receive special services in Cedar Grove. My daughter will be in High School next year. I am hopeful that parents/guardians with younger children will become more involved and take ownership of our endeavors.
