News from SERC - The Special Education and Rehabilitation Center

A wonderful new addition to our internship group this year is the inclusion of students completing their Early Childhood Special Education endorsement through UW.  Abby and Ashley have both already earned a B.A., and are currently working as Early Childhood Special Educators under a provisional certificate while they have worked toward their endorsement.  This internship will complete their certification. They are a great example of the College of Education's outreach connecting professional's in the field to continuing education and graduate degrees! They are joined at SERC by Colleen Weber, an occupational therapist who is volunteering her time during this trip to consult with and train the staff at SERC. Collectively they bring vast experience and knowledge to their work here.  Here are some of their thoughts from their time thus far.

-Nikki

Colleen, Abby, and Ashley are at SERC which provides therapeutic, educational, and vocational training for students with specials needs

We have been greeted every day with warm, friendly smiles from students and staff.  The school has asked us to teach them how to use sensory integration techniques combined with behavior strategies to develop a positive learning environment for the children and staff.

This week we have observed children in the classroom, therapies, and the overall school environment. We enjoyed being served delicious tea and biscuits by students in the vocational program. Today, we initiated exploring our strategies directly with students with engagement of the teachers. It was so fun working closely with the students and using our tools within their play and learning opportunities!

We are looking forward to our first teacher training on Friday to dialogue with teachers, therapists, and other supports to collaborate toward an overall school plan.

Our challenges so far have been communication and cultural barriers. We have been fortunate to have members of the SERC team to assist us with translation of our ideas. The staff finds our attempts in speaking the Nepali language humorous, but continue to encourage us in our efforts.

After a bumpy bus ride home, hearing about the other students’ daily experiences, we enjoy a variety of Nepali cuisine with one another and exploring the city and shops of Thamel. It is such a beautiful city and we love being able to being immersed within it!

 Colleen, Ashley, and Abby enjoy Nepali lunch of green beans, potatoes, rice, and dal bhat. 

Colleen engaging Kritika with theraputty and explaining to staff how and why it is used with students. 

Colleen has special moment with Angel using beads in theraputty after slowly introducing deep pressure to his hands, shoulders, and head.

Abby assists “Jack” in threading a needle after enjoying “The most amazing tea ever!”