I chose this gymnastics for her because it is different from programming offered in her school. My daughter is a sensory seeker, independent and passionate. We sought out an activity to let her get her wiggles out, one that was close to home, but also understood the diverse needs of children with disabilities.
Due to the recent World Olympic Games, gymnastics was a household staple for us and my daughter loved the women’s gymnastics team. In combining an interest and something to benefit her physically, gymnastics seemed to be a good additional program for her to participate in. We attend once per week, for an hour. Before signing up, I was assured an inclusive environment, and a 1:1 special recreation coach to work with my daughter. I also provided the coach a copy of my daughter’s IEP detailing current supports and modifications in place at school.
The IEP was school generated in collaboration with my husband and me. This document offers academic/ social/language reports, current levels of performance, and documented supports to aid my daughter in all settings (not just academic). I always provide this document. It helps to share strategies that have worked, and what does not work for my daughter. I believe in total transparency, and have no issue sharing school supports with a recreational activity, especially with documented supports that do work well for my daughter.
I sit in the lobby the entire class, in case I am needed.
After expressing some concern to the owner of this location, I had suggested a visual communication board, as well as a pictorial schedule be put in place for my daughter, to help her see the routine of activities that would take place, and give her an option to share her feelings when too overwhelmed to speak. When we walked into the lobby today, the transition of individuals leaving one class and children entering for their next class took place. There were kids leaving the gym and parents greeting them, coats, shoes, and even siblings in tow to help aspiring gymnastics leave the class. There were children and parents in the lobby waiting to enter the next class. I didn’t want my daughter to walk into a class and continue feeling overwhelmed. It can impact her during the class, which is one of the reasons that the coach and I provide extra and individualized support to her.
As soon as my daughter took her shoes off today, we were met by her 1:1 coach who presented my daughter with each of the pieces of equipment on separate cards, laminated, and with Velcro on the back. The two worked together to put them in an order that my daughter would like. What I loved most about this routine today was a stranger coming up to me and commenting that she works with special needs children, and that she absolutely loved that they were using a visual schedule for my daughter. She said that she has used this in her school and it helped her students, but she had never seen it outside of a school setting. She and I talked briefly about how it is helpful in every setting, and I left the conversation feeling more supported and secure in my decision to suggest a visual component to the gymnastics owner for my daughter.
Gymnastics is bittersweet because I also see parents and neurotypical children working together in a mom and tot class. I know that this class is just not for us. Today is a day where I see the difference between my daughter and other children. However, I can leave the class knowing that my daughter is getting the support that is best for her. This setting helps her move her body and express herself. No matter how different a class might look for your child, have faith in the job that you are doing, and your ability to advocate for your child.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Christina Kreml (M.A. Differentiated Instruction, M.A. School Adminstration) is a dedicated special education teacher with a passion for supporting children with disabilities. As a parent to a child with a learning disability, Christina brings both her educational expertise and her personal experiences to her advocacy work. She is committed to empowering families, championing the rights of children with disabilities, and helping parents navigate the journey of raising exceptional children.
Read the article here.