The little things – making education inclusive

My name is Audrey Lukas, and I am mum to Chandler.

He is seven years old and started his first year of school this year after repeating kindergarten. 

Chandler has spastic diplegic CP and short bowel syndrome. We spent his first year of life in hospital as he contracted Necrotizing Enterocolitis (bowel infection) and lost most of his bowel at 5 days old. He was always a fighter, but the thought of sending him to school was a terrifying one. After years of hospital trips and monitoring his health, we as parents worried about a lot of things – who will look out for him? How will he make friends? How will he feel included when he can’t do a lot of things the other kids can?

It took us some time to find the right school for us.

We looked for practical things such as easy access, hazard-free play areas and flat surfaces, but also importantly, we looked (and found) a school that supported our family values, prioritises good and open communication, with teachers who are willing to learn and students that will accept us for who we are.

We found a school, that from our very first call and meeting, made us feel welcomed, supported and listened to. 

The school grounds have a disabled toilet in every toilet block and put-up Chandler’s handrail. There are no big steps or stairs for Chandler to trip on. We had OT and Physio check the school for safety and good mobility, but we also had extra transition time before he commenced school so he could get more familiar with his new surroundings and practice using his wheelchair. 

Teachers readily support him with visual aids to help with his language and speech to make him feel more comfortable.

They always have open communication with us and believe that we are a team working together for Chandler’s needs and interest, so we touch base a few times each school term.

Activities such as Athletics Day were made easy for us. I had a meeting with his teachers one week before the event to talk about the order the activities, which one’s Chandler would participate in and which ones he would sit out. It enabled him to have a rest in between, but still watch his friends participate and feel included, but also understood. 

Our school has also allowed us as parents to come to every incursion, excursion or any event. We are able to provide Chandler with any support he might need, whilst making us feel like a part of the school community.

Since Chandler needs extra time to eat, his teacher has also allowed him to start eating 15-20 minutes before his peers, so he can still finish at the same time and to allow him enough play time during recess and lunch break. Eating is very important for his weight gain, because of his short gut.

Receiving his achievement award 

Chandler was so excited when he was told that he was receiving an award at the school assembly. I knew that there were five steps up to the stage. Whilst the school had added a hand rail earlier in the year (based on OT’s feedback), I suggested to Chandler to together him and I  practise going up the stairs with his walking sticks a few days beforehand and he totally refused.

Secretly, the school organised for his older school buddy to help him up and down the steps on assembly day.  They practiced the steps together beforehand. Chandler and his buddy stayed on the stage together, and he was thrilled that his buddy provided support for him rather than his usual teacher aid.

This brought tears to my eyes as I was totally unaware that the school has planned this surprise. To see Chandler with his peer (whom he adores) receiving an award, just as any other child would, was a proud parent moment. He also confidently walked up the stairs with his buddy’s help, refusing to use his walking sticks, showing me and the school community how determined and capable he can be. 

So far, our school transition has been a positive one and our school continues to go above and beyond my expectations. Each time Chandler has doctor’s appointments, or his Speech/ OT/ Physio team has school visits, his teacher (and all staff) has been welcoming, supportive and taken the time to discuss things openly.

I understand the school journey is not always as positive for many families of children with CP, but by sharing my story, I hope to shine a light on how the simple things can make such a difference to kids with extra challenges.  

For more information about early education, visit the primary school education for children with cerebral palsy section on our website.

You can follow more of Audrey’s and Chandler’s CP journey by visiting their Instagram page https://www.instagram.com/mommyisstilllearning/

The image of Chandler in this post appears courtesy of Target Australia, where Chandler was featured in a 2020 Spring campaign. Target are committed to embracing diversity and include people with disability in their advertising campaigns.