Back in April, I had the opportunity to meet the kids at the Experimental Education Unit (EEU) at the University of Washington.  The EEU is a early childhood center that provides classes the have a great mix of children with and without disabilities.  The focus is on inclusion, not only for the benefit of the child with a disability, but also for the child without a disability.  The social integration of children with and without disabilities greatly benefits all children, and will impact these children throughout their life.  The EEU also collects data to continue to learn the best ways to enhance the experience of all the children.

I have always been interested in the needs of those with disabilities, and how unfortunate it is that our society does not seem to understand that best way to include these amazing individuals in our society.  We often feel the need to place them in special classes, facilities, etc., and while it may be beneficial to have specific areas in which extra help is needed, inclusion is very important for the development of the individual, as well as an accepting and loving society.

Here are a few photos from the two days I spent at the EEU getting to know the children and the staff.  This school has already embedded itself in my heart and I hope to continue to help in any way I can.