Our impressions
from Istanbul have only partially fulfilled our expectations. We missed direct
work with children with special needs, especially on the field of lower
education standards and consequently the use of their didactic-methodical
approaches and strategies.
In the Metin Sabath cerebral palsy training and
educational centre we saw the use of technology and technological equipment of
classrooms, and also some different gadgets and other modern technologies in
the teaching process.
They were
very hospitable. Soon we learned that they carefully protected their students -
their basic rights and personal data. Consequently, we expected several
examples of good practise in the field of lower education standards, some of us
observed work in a special program where basic areas such as caring for
themselves, feeding and developing basic motor skills were covered. We found
out that our approach is either the same or perhaps better on some educational
areas. We too encourage our students to use alternative communication using
tablets and adapted computer programs.
When visiting
some other institutions, we realized that when educating children, they follow
their individual needs and skills. It impressed us that the children have the opportunity
to spend free time between classes listening to music, watching TV and
attending school cinema, which is also one of the best technological achievements
and we would gladly have it in our school.
We also met
the head of the ministry of Education who listened with interest how people
with special needs are educated in each country. A representative of the
Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs emphasized that families with children, who
have intellectual disabilities, are provided with free bus services, free entries
in cultural institutions, cinemas, …
A visit to
the restaurant in Tebessit made a strong impression on us as employees are
young people with Down's syndrome. Through encouragement of their mentors, they
are actively involved in the work. We were nicely served.
Our students,
who participated in the program, were impressed by the size of the city, the
subway, the friendliness and hospitality. They made new friends from Poland,
and enjoyed getting familiar with new technological tools and technology on
general.
Tanja, Aleksandra, Vesna, Marija, Martin and Niki
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