TALKING PEER TUTOR TRIPS

DISABILITY AWARENESS MONTH, BRINGING STUDENTS TOGETHER, BRINGING AWARENESS

For many students, the day their class gets to go on a fi eld trip is often one of the most exciting days of the school year. On these trips, students are met with various learning opportunities but in more interactive and fun ways. One class here at HSE, known as peer tutoring, allows students the opportunity to go on numerous out-of-school activities. Throughout the year, peers work alongside and can get to know HSE students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and assist them in achieving their goals. In past years, the peer tutoring classes have gone on trips to places such as Flatfork Park, bowling alleys, various stores, restaurants, and much more. Each of these trips allows both students and peers to get out and utilize the skills they learn within the classroom. Many people often underestimate the abilities of those with IDD. Each have their own unique abilities and opinions that should be honored and considered. By visiting these public places students can further develop life skills that allow them to be more independent. One Junior, Jadyn Durden has been in peer tutoring through multiple years. During so she explains that she was able to learn alot. “Every time I have taken peer tutoring, It has always been an incredible experience,” Durden shares. “It serves as a great place to form connections and learn valuable lessons.” As March is Developmental disability Awareness month, these few weeks serve as a time for people to join together and form strong communities that can discuss ways to make areas more inclusive to those with IDD. March has been recognized as Developmental Disability Awareness Month since 1987. It was created with the intention of raising awareness on the inclusion of people with developmental disabilities and assisting them in utilizing their full potential. Like most topics, The best way to bring awareness to the needs of people with IDD is with further education. The more students who get involved with educating themselves on the lives of those with IDD, the more accessible the world can become. Many students who are enrolled in peer tutoring are continuing to push for this further education with plans to become future teachers. One peer, Senior Julian Brennan, shares how the course has played a role in unlocking future possibilities for her. “Being a peer tutor has allowed me to realize what I want to pursue in the near future,” Brennan explains. “It has led me to go to school next year where I can to major within Special Education.” With further education and a continued fi ght to break down the stereotypes pushed on people with disabilities, more opportunities can arise for people with IDD to lead regular lives and pursue their interests. While disabilities, Whether they be visible or not, may provide extra hurdles in the lives of those living with them, each person still provides unique and positive contributions to society that deserve to be shared. Story by Ryan Luhmann “I am excited to go to Olive Garden. Their food is very good.” Benjamin Rewers, 12

“We went to Top Golf at the end of last year. That was super fun to do.” Julie Welsh, 12