Inclusivity always on the minds of these Richmond teachers

Two Richmond teachers have been recognized by Inclusion BC for their work in advancing the causes of students with developmental disabilities inside the classroom.

Ray Yoo, a resource teacher at Homma elementary, and Eve Minuk, a resource teacher at MacNeill secondary, both received the 2017 National Inclusive Education Award for exemplary leadership from the Canadian Association of Community Living and Inclusion BC, two non-profit organizations dedicated to advancing rights and building awareness for people with developmental disabilities.

Danielle Kelliher, spokesperson for Inclusion BC, noted Yoo has worked closely with teachers to promote mingling students of all abilities in small work groups — an approach that has proven successful and spread to other projects and events around the school.

“Yoo goes above and beyond to make sure students with special needs are meaningfully included in his classroom and on basketball, volleyball and cheer teams, breakfast club and lunchtime activities such as chess and knitting,” said Kelliher.

Lisa Cowell, parent and manager with Richmond Society for Community Living (RSCL), said she has been impressed with Yoo’s ability to get all kids to participate in activities.

Meanwhile, Minuk has “shown extraordinary leadership” throughout her career as a life skills learning resource teacher, said Kelliher.

“Minuk goes above and beyond to make sure that students with special needs are included in all aspects of school life, not only in regular classes but also in social activities. She works with classroom teachers to see the students’ learning needs are being met and promotes and showcases inclusion throughout the school,” said Kelliher.

Fellow teacher Marcy Timmins said Minuk always ensures inclusion is considered during staff meetings.

Furthermore, “she is often the link for parents who are navigating their way through unfamiliar territory as their children are preparing to transition out of high school,” said Timmins.

Minuk also sits on the board of RSCL and is a council member at Community Living BC, noted Kelliher.

The two will not have to go far to receive their awards, which will be presented at Inclusion BC’s annual learning event in Richmond on June 14, 2017, as part of a full-day Inclusive Education Summit.

Board of Education chair Debbie Tablotney praised Yoo and Minuk’s work.

“This has been a value for the district for many years. I think we were one of the first districts to go to full inclusion several years ago. It’s a value we hold dear.”

Tablotney said children without special needs gain an understanding of one another by being in an inclusive environment with those who do.

She said the district is reviewing “Policy 100,” or  mission of values and this issue is “at the forefront for us.” 

The district recently held  a learning seminar where diversity was a strong value for the district.

“We’ve got to go to every length to include (special needs students),” said Tablotney.