1. Special Needs: Programming, Problem Solving, and Possibilities
(AKA the BEST POTLUCK EVER!!!)
Group KidMin Conference
September 2017
Chicago, ILlinois Katie Wetherbee

2. Today we will… Examine inclusion from a 1 Corinthians 12 perspective
List ways to create an inclusive culture
Discuss strategies for modifying activities, staffing, and program planning
Identify what we can “bring to the table.”

3. Why are we talking about this?
1 in 68 children diagnosed with Autism
13% of public school students ages 3-21 receive special education services
25% of youth age have an anxiety disorder
1 in 5 children has a language-based learning disorder such as dyslexia
Between 5-11% of children are diagnosed with ADHD.

4. How are churches responding?
Three Main Models:
Outreach/Event Focused
Sunday Morning Programming
“There’s this kid…”
What are the pro’s and con’s?

5. “We don’t have any special needs at OUR church…”
One more model:
“We don’t have any special needs at OUR church…”

6. We are driven by five human needs: survival love and belonging power
Glasser’s 5 Basic Needs
We are driven by five human needs:
survival
love and belonging
power
freedom
fun

7. GROWLS for Belonging GRACE: Forgiveness. Freedom.
RELATIONSHIP:  Connection. Community. Collaboration.
OWNERSHIP:  Control. Contribution. Choice.
WORTH:  Value. Voice. Vision.
LAUGHTER: Enjoyable. Entertaining.
SECURITY:  Emotional. Physical. Mental. Spiritual.
T. Schultz, Group Publishing

8. Inclusion IS: The Body of Christ!
The church is incomplete without the gifts of all (1 Corinthians 12:14-31)
…If one part suffers, every part suffers with it. If one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. Now each of you are the body of Christ and each of you are part of it.

9. What else does God say about this?
Make disciples of all people
(Matthew 28:19-20)
Share the hope of the Gospel and serve those who are broken
(Luke 4:18-19, Matthew 25:40)
He will get the glory!
(John 9:1-3)

10. Qualities of Culture
Looks Like
Sounds Like
Feels Like

11. What is the culture of your program?
A learning environment will happen, whether intentional or not…so why not go about building a positive environment, intentionally.
—Rodrick Lucero, Ph.D

12. Classroom Culture: Research
When classroom culture is strong…
Children greater increases in reading and math test scores.
Teachers felt more effective and more positive about teaching.
Children had better social skills.
Teachers offered more high-quality instruction.
Children felt more positive about school.
Teachers collaborated with each other more.
Rimm-Kaufman, S University of Virginia, Curry School of Education,
Center for Advanced Study of teaching and Learning; 2004

13. Building a positive culture
Shared expectations
Use students’ names
Create routines
Offer choices
Build—and demonstrate—trust
Seek and affirm student input Lucero, R. Colorado State University

14. Consider the “guest list…”
Who is coming?
What needs do they have?
How can I help my guests get to know each other?

15. Peer Training 1 Corinthians 12 style Emphasis on similarities
Advantages for peers and kids with disabilities
Long term benefits for the Kingdom

16. “Setting the Table”
Make sure you plan your space as well as you plan your lessons!
SAFETY FIRST
Signage
Clutter
Room size
Escape routes
“What-if??”

17. What is the content of the lesson? How can we best teach the concepts?
Planning the “Menu”
What is the content of the lesson?
How can we best teach the concepts?

18. What if the Church “Left the Building?

19. Let’s Keep in Touch! Katie Wetherbee katie@hopeforlearning.com
katiewetherbee.com