Who’s the Slow Learner?: New Non-Fiction Illuminates World of Children with Special Educational Needs
Who’s the Slow Learner? offers the parents of special needs children information and tools for ensuring inclusive education..
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA – Students with disabilities continue to be the only remaining marginalized group for whom segregation is condoned. Twenty-two years after the 1992 amendment to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, that marked the end of wrongful segregation and exclusion of individuals with disabilities, it is still a struggle for students with disabilities to be fully integrated in general education classes. Who’s the Slow Learner? offers parents and educators insight they can use to support students with disabilities for educational success, and to demand the dignity and respect that is their due. The new non-fiction, education book is published by Outskirts Press.
Author Sandra Assimotos McElwee, an advocate for unborn babies with Down syndrome, was inspired by her son, Sean, to pen the book, which chronicles his sometimes harrowing educational experience and the steps she and Sean’s teachers took to help facilitate his acceptance and success. McElwee discusses frankly and openly the challenges faced by her son, and other children with intellectual disabilities, including the difficult transition from elementary school to secondary school as educators failed to meet Inclusive Best Practices and even violated Sean’s civil rights.
Who’s the Slow Learner includes creative examples of accommodations and modifications for special needs students. It is the first book that chronicles a student with special educational needs from preschool through high school graduation. It is a story of triumphs and successes, losses and failures.
With his mother’s insight and assistance, Sean McElwee was included in all aspects of the elementary mainstream educational experience: He learned to read, excelled in math and performed in school talent shows. Most important for Sean, he forged many meaningful friendships. Sean thrived and graduated from high school at just 17. Now 20, Sean McElwee speaks openly and publicly as an advocate for inclusive education for children with special needs. And with World’s Down Syndrome Day approaching on March 21, Sean and his mother continue to speak out any way they can, including Sandra’s blog at www.whostheslowlearner.com .
About the book: Who’s the Slow Learner?by Sandra Assimotos McElwee ISBN: 978-1-4787-2590-9 Publisher: Outskirts Press Date of publish: January 2014 Pages: 333 S.R.P.: $17.95
About the author: Sandra Assimotos McElwee is a medical sales professional and advocate for unborn babies with Down syndrome, but her most important job is as mother of one son, Sean. Married for more than 21 years to Sean’s father, Rick, McElwee enjoys traveling with her family and participating in Sean’s sports activities.
Drowning In Words ∫∫ Michala Tyann 