A Choice to Include, Not Segregate, for One Local Family
Mark Radel is a kindergartener at Notre Dame Elementary School in Utica. Mark has down syndrome. Mark's parents, Patrick and Mary, made the decision to place him in a regular school, just like his older brother. The choice they made is a reflection of the concept called inclusion. "We want for Mark, fundamentally the same things that any parent wants for their child," Mr. Radel says, "we want them to be treated with dignity, to be included, to have the tools he needs to be a success in life."While Mark does need supplemental support, he learns in the classroom alongside his typical peers. His parents say they wanted the same education for Mark as they do for his older brother Luke.
The Radel's say placing mark in typical schooling has been extremely beneficial for him and for his peers.
"He learns so much from being around his peers," says Mrs. Radel, "everyone in the classroom benefits when you have a child with whatever the diagnosis may be learning side by side because the teacher changes the way they present materials and they reach every child in the classroom."
The Radel's say the school has been incredibly helpful in working with Mark and his needs, as they are with every child. And while their hope for mark is that he stays in the Notre Dame School System until high school, Mrs. Radel says they are going to take it year by year.
"10, 15, 20 years ago it was pure segregation," says Mr. Radel. "Children with special needs were sent to different schools. There is no question in my mind that seeing Mark every day, developing friendships with him, relationships with him is, I think, going to make his classmates more respectful and understanding of people with disabilities."
The Radel's emphasize how important it is to not limit a child with special needs, that they deserve the same opportunities as everyone else.
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By: Elsa Gillis
Updated: October 31, 2011
While Mark does need supplemental support, he learns in the classroom alongside his typical peers. His parents say they wanted the same education for Mark as they do for his older brother Luke.
The Radel's say placing mark in typical schooling has been extremely beneficial for him and for his peers.
"He learns so much from being around his peers," says Mrs. Radel, "everyone in the classroom benefits when you have a child with whatever the diagnosis may be learning side by side because the teacher changes the way they present materials and they reach every child in the classroom."
The Radel's say the school has been incredibly helpful in working with Mark and his needs, as they are with every child. And while their hope for mark is that he stays in the Notre Dame School System until high school, Mrs. Radel says they are going to take it year by year.
"10, 15, 20 years ago it was pure segregation," says Mr. Radel. "Children with special needs were sent to different schools. There is no question in my mind that seeing Mark every day, developing friendships with him, relationships with him is, I think, going to make his classmates more respectful and understanding of people with disabilities."
The Radel's emphasize how important it is to not limit a child with special needs, that they deserve the same opportunities as everyone else.
