Inclusion

It’s been awhile since I have written about the kids.  Beyond the fact that we have been busy battling colds/flu constantly, life has been going on.

Bella’s school works on the inclusion policy.  They try to include Bella in all activities that she can possibly participate in, and they probably include her in more than she can really comprehend.  In truth Bella just watches life happen around her.  In order for her to participate in anything she needs an adult to make that happen.  We are lucky that at school she has an adult with her at all times that pushes her to do things and be a part of things.  The kids in her kindergarten class are also doing a great job seeing her as a part of their class, even though she isn’t in the room full time.

Bella got invited to a birthday party for girls in her kindergarten class.  She has been invited to parties before and I always decline them.  This time around I really debated on what to do.  The school makes such an effort to include her and the kids do such a good job seeing her as one of them. 

I’m not sure if the girls asked their mom to invite Bella, or if their mom wanted to invite all the girls in the class, but if I want Bella to be seen as someone who could be a friend, then I need to have her participate outside of class.

That would all make you think that saying yes to the party would be an easy decision…..except as I said, in order for Bella to participate in anything she needs an adult to make it happen.  The party happened to be in the evening after school.  Generally Bella is really tired after a full day of school, and Bella likes to be winding down and going to bed around 7pm.  The party would only be halfway over at that point.  Plus we already had plans that evening we would have to cancel in order for me to take her to the party.

And logistically, I had never been to this person’s house.  I would have no idea if they could accommodate Bella’s wheelchair or have an area that she could lay down, or a place I could try to hold her.  I wouldn’t really know anyone there either, and Bella can’t really help with that part, she wouldn’t really interact with the girls there, she would be watching for the most part.

In the end I regretfully declined the invitation.  At some point I know I need to step it up and help Bella get included in activities, but it still seems like an impossible task, and a lot of hard work on my part.  I really just wish I knew whether she would enjoy the hard work put forth to include her or not?