| From the HSLDA E-lert Service: |
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| Date: From: Subject: | 3/12/2007 2:02:09 PM Home School Legal Defense Association HSLDA's Group E-zine: March, 2007 |
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IN THIS ISSUE: What's New: (Poetry and Photography Contests) Group Wise: (Welcoming Children with Disabilities) F.Y.I.: (Where to Find Information) Roster Information A Final Word: (You Can Homeschool DVDs) WHAT'S NEW HSLDA's annual Poetry and Photography contests are once again underway. The proceeds from these contests benefit the Home School Foundation's Special Needs Children's Fund. The themes this year are "Side by Side" and "Between the Lines." For more information, please visit the contest site: http://www.hslda.org/elink.asp?id=3875 . Please consider forwarding information about these contests to your families. They are a great way for homeschoolers to grow artistically. If you would like the full-length announcements to post on your site, please contact Emily Alianello (emilya@hslda.org). GROUP WISE Guest Article: A Mom Shares Her Perspective--Making Families and Handicapped Students Welcome By Esther Mast Given that homeschoolers come in all shapes and sizes, it is not surprising to find a few in wheelchairs. The local homeschool group is in a position to make these students feel as valued and included as possible. There are a few practical ways to do this: First of all, keep the physical limitations of handicapped students in mind when planning activities. Try to arrange at least a couple events a year that can include everyone, even those who can't kick a ball or run races. Such awareness of limitations is also important when planning a field trip. A considerate coordinator will research the proposed location beforehand and inform the pupil's parents about accessibility issues, so that there is less chance of an unpleasant surprise on arrival. In addition, all students must be treated with respect by their homeschooled peers. Even if an activity is physically accessible, a handicapped student may feel out of place if other people constantly stare, ask awkward questions, or try to be helpful by pushing the wheelchair for him. Remember, it is not the responsibility of the handicapped family to educate the entire group on demand. Make it a priority to teach proper courtesy to your own children; if you must ask, direct a tactful question to the parents privately. If a handicapped student senses that others are uncomfortable around him, he will also feel very uncomfortable. A wheelchair indeed places certain restrictions on the student and her family and homeschool group. With thoughtful planning and good manners, however, it need not be a hindrance to the homeschool experience. The Masts homeschool their six school-aged children, one of whom is in a wheelchair. F.Y.I. Many of our members are looking for information on homeschooling either high schoolers or children who may struggle with learning, or have learning related disabilities. HSLDA has a large amount of information available to address both these area. Please direct your families to us; we would be glad to help! Our website has two sections devoted to these issues. Homeschooling Your Struggling Learner (http://www.hslda.org/elink.asp?id=3876) provides basic information and encouragement, as well as an extensive list of resources. Homeschool Thru High School (http://www.hslda.org/elink.asp?id=3877) has a several useful sections including sample transcripts, information on developing a four-year plan, and a blog by our high school coordinators. Families who are members with us can also call and speak with either our high school or special needs coordinators. Those coordinators are able to provide families with advice that is specifically tailored to their situation. ROSTER INFORMATION Thank you to all the group administrators who have been providing us with updated rosters. Your efforts are much appreciated. If you have not updated your roster in a while, please remember that we ask you to do so twice a year. To access your group's online roster, use the following link: http://www.hslda.org/elink.asp?id=3878 This page will ask you for your Group Discount Number and a security code. You will need to contact Emily Alianello, HSLDA's Group Discount Coordinator, if you do not already have your group's security code. Once you have entered this information, your roster will appear, along with instructions on how to "Add" and "Delete" members to the list. A FINAL WORD.... Up to five additional "You Can Homeschool" DVDs are available to each group. Please contact us if you would like to order those for your group. You should also contact us if you would like either applications or "You Can Homeschool" brochures. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- -> "I saved my entire membership fee with one discount" "We've been a Liberty Mutual customer for over 12 years. We called and asked about our HSLDA member discount and they lowered our premium by approx $95 per year...coincidentally the same amount as our HSLDA annual membership fee. Thought you'd want to know!!'" More reasons to join HSLDA... http://www.hslda.org/elink.asp?id=1107 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- ====================================================================== The HSLDA E-lert Service is a service of: Home School Legal Defense Association P.O. 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