This episode features the work of the PEAL Center, a statewide organization that provides support for parents of children with disabilities. Through a wide array of resources, training, a helpline, and advocacy, PEAL Center staff and volunteers work to educate parents of children with disabilities and special health care needs as well as professionals who work in these fields.
During our conversation, Mary Hartley, the Executive Director, and Cindy Duch, the Director of Individual Assistance, discuss issues facing families, the educational rights of children with special needs, transition services, and the value of educational inclusion, not just for children with disabilities but for all children.
For additional information about the services and resources available through the PEAL Center, visit https://www.pealcenter.org
After listening to this podcast, I reflected upon what type of teacher I want to become. From the podcast, I was most drawn to Advocacy. While this podcast focuses mainly on organizations such as the PEAL Center helping in advocacy of people with special needs and their families, listening to Mary Hartley and Cindy Duch, I understood how vital advocacy can be for all educators.
As a pre-service teacher, I am still trying to figure out my role in education and where I will end up. However, this semester has taught me a great deal and opened up perspectives regarding my future. At first, I paid a lot of attention to issues such as lesson planning and managing the class, but now I understand that getting to know students, including those having special needs, and assisting them is crucial.
Furthermore, after hearing this podcast I am more interested in the issue of inclusion. As many of the courses I have taken discuss inclusion, this process does not mean merely putting students together but ensuring the accessibility of learning to everyone, which requires great efforts, flexibility, and patience.
Overall, through listening to this podcast, I have come to the realization that teaching also involves advocacy. It is my wish to become an advocate for my students and be able to work with their families in order to learn more about how to help them.