Inclusion

Yesterday I spent my morning in Zane’s preschool classroom. The main purpose was to take pictures and videos in order to start building a file for his next IEP meeting. It is crucial to do this because there is a lot of swirling controversy over whether or not Zane will be able to attend his home school once he enters kindergarten. Typically, kids with significant special needs like Zane get bussed to Durango’s center-based program. We’re not sure if that is truly in his best interest.


It was a real treat to be in the classroom. I have been in and out for short bursts of time since he started in August. But yesterday I stayed for the entire morning—until it was time for him to return home. Seeing the way many of Zane’s classmates interact with him (inviting him to play, holding his hand, scooting next to him, eating a snack with him) gives me hope for our future. Having Zane as part of an inclusive classroom has reciprocal benefits. We live in a community that is light on diversity. Our children here are not (in my opinion) prepared for what is representative of the world “out there”. So not only does interaction between Zane and his peers benefit him, but it promotes acceptance and diversity for our upcoming generation. And isn’t that what God and love are all about: Accepting people for who they are? Not passing judgment? Showing compassion? I definitely think that is what God is all about!