This resource presents nine in-depth case studies of children, youth, and young adults who have unique learning needs. Cases are diverse in terms of age of the students, level of functioning, and geographical location.
Using the Universal Design for Learning framework, which guides the development of flexible learning environments, Calder Stegemann is an advocate for making schools and classrooms more accessible for everyone, not just children with learning challenges. The Kamloops Thompson School District is unique in that several schools maintain resource or learning assistance rooms. Some schools have “sensory rooms” which provide materials and spaces to meet sensory needs (such as quiet or apparatus for rhythmic movements). But rather than limiting the use of these specialized settings to students with unique learning needs, Calder Stegemann says these spaces can be used by all children, and provide benefit to all regardless of ability.
She hopes that the real life case studies presented in her book prove useful to all teachers, providing insight into how inclusion can work, always mindful that “there doesn’t have to be a one-size-fits-all solution.”
