Assignment:
Mrs. Donovan is a paraprofessional who enjoys working with Kyoni and Michael, two special needs children in a fourth-grade inclusive classroom. Kyoni is confine to a wheelchair and makes use of assistive technology, such as her communication board, a calculator during math class, and an FM transmitter due to her hearing loss. Michael also uses assistive technology by using a wrist-splint and a clipboard to help position his papers when writing. He also is giving an opportunity to use software programs on the computer instead of taking pencil and paper tests.
Although both children are well liked and accepted by the rest of the class. The other students are getting more and more vocal wondering why both Kyoni and Michael get to "have more fun." Using their assistive technology devices and that it is "not fair" that they get to use calculators and the computer when the rest of the class does not.
1. Why do the children in the class view Kyoni and Micheal's situation as being "unfair?"
2. How might Mrs. Donovan explain the situation to them?
3. Would it be appropriate to let some of the students have an opportunity to use the assistive technology?
4. Would enhance acceptance and understanding?
5. How could give enough clarity and detail to the other students perceptions to Kyoni and Michael?