“Why can’t I go, too?” The child couldn’t say the words, but the expression in the eyes conveyed the message clearly. These are the moments many parents dread: Recognizing a child’s longing to be included, knowing all too keenly the profound pain of being left out, and wanting desperately to make it better. For children with learning differences, there is a strong desire to belong, but the obstacles can seem insurmountable.
An important element of freedom is our right to make choices and self-determination in our own lives. For some individuals, summer is not a time of freedom and fun, but a time of stagnation and boredom. Children with learning differences are faced with a bleak landscape of things to do and are often limited to their houses, not just on the occasional afternoon or weekend, but every single day. Moreover, families who have children with learning differences often find their choices significantly limited, as they are directed toward programs that are segregated – specific programs that are catered to children with learning differences.
Many of these programs come from an assumption that children with learning differences are optional members of the community. This assumption is deceptive, as it says to the families of children with learning differences: “We, the broader community, can choose to include your child, or not, based on our choice, not yours. Your child is optional to us, rather than a rightful and vital member of the community.”
Having witnessed this firsthand, together with the intention of ensuring that all children have equal opportunities to be included, this summer, we welcome our first venture — Auesome Summer Workshop.
The idea of Auesome Summer Workshop was conceived out of a commitment to giving young people with learning differences the opportunity to make significant contributions to our community in their own way so that each of them feels empowered, effective, and inspired. Each child is included, celebrated, and supported by a team of educators to leverage their individual gifts and strengths. Every child’s feelings and thoughts matter – each child is unique, each is important.
Inclusion is not a place, program, or a time-limited opportunity, it is an experience, a state of being, and a way that shows the whole community that “all are welcome.” It is a willingness to see the potential in everyone and match skill with challenge. Simply, it is the belief that all children can make friends, all children can participate, and all children can be successful. Auesome Place recognizes that each member, regardless of abilities, is a contributing member of the community. They have a purpose. Empowering students to practice kindness and create positive relationships with one another is a worthy goal. From being a good friend to helping clean up after lunch, Auesome participants know that they are valued and needed.
Inclusion provides the opportunity to form relationships, learn who we are, and flourish. It also cultivates resilience. When members feel a sense of purpose, they can adapt – and help each other build their inner resilience and adaptability – to any new circumstance. We have witnessed resilience demonstrated over and over again during the workshop. We genuinely hope that the experiences members have at Auesome Place will help them each day, in every facet of life, all year long. While goodbyes may be tough, next summer is always right around the corner!
In every initiative which Auesome Place has worked to reach out in promoting friendships and creating new opportunities for its students, the work was championed by dedicated people who made this their focus. This makes it possible for all children to come together, and participate in recreational activities such as arts and crafts, culinary, physical fitness, and more. More importantly, it allows children with and without learning differences to create friendships that may have not been possible in other parts of their lives.
Inclusion was where it begins. Belonging is what we need to strive for as it offers the joy and celebration of lives embedded in a rich circle of relationships that honor us as whole beings. If you believe in the power, potential, and necessity of emotional support, social connections, and relationships, then you are ready to embark on this meaningful journey.
What is important is that the conversations begin.
Auesome Place goes beyond education. It is a community where everyone is valued and included. To learn more about their programs and services, scan the QR code below.
Auesome Place is located at 北京燕莎中心S111， S111 Kempinski Lufthansa Center.
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Images: Courtesy of Auesome Place
