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A letter to the school principal about a new club: Sports Social Club for special needs children

My son Matthew is in the second grade inclusion class and has a disability that effects his social interaction with his peers. Matthew wants to make friends and be accepted by his non-disabled peers but needs help in this area. Having friends is part of a typical child's life, but this is not possible for many special needs children unless it is fostered and practiced. For boys, playing sports is a natural way for them to make friends and learn socially appropriate behavior. However, many children with special needs are unable to "pick up" the rules or skills of a game and must be taught the skills and strategy if they are ever going to be able to play with their non-disabled peers.

Currently there are no school programs that Matthew can attend. I would like to help develop an after school program for Matthew and the other children with disabilities, a "sports social club" that would integrate special needs children with "good role model peers" on school grounds. This would allow special needs children to be active, learn, and practice sports skills that they could use to "fit in" during recess, lunchtime and gym class. It would also serve as an "ice breaker" for acceptance and appreciation of differences of special needs students and their non-disabled peers. Other children (not in the program) who attend the school will also see that typical kids are playing with and becoming friends with the special needs kids. Perhaps this would influence other typical children to try to play with special needs children. True integration and friendships.

Knowing that my idea would need a teacher to supervise the program and perhaps some equipment, I have already begun looking for ways to pay for the program. I have the interest of Senator X as a sponsor for this program. As you can see, I am willing to do whatever is needed to provide a program for special needs children that will help them make friends, be healthy, and be truly integrated into their school community. With friends, health and acceptance, children with special needs have a better chance of having good self-esteem and self confidence, and will be better able to focus on their academics.

I hope you see the value in the "sports social club" and are able to meet with me to further discuss this program and our next steps for its commencement.