The Guitar

by Barb Italiano - a proud parent!

People have been discussing the pros and cons of integration for many years. I believe that some, despite their efforts, are still no closer to the true meaning of inclusion.

Inclusion can not be written in a policy, yet it can be stated in a philosophy. However, even a policy cannot make people believe it, feel it, or live it. Our problem is that we try too hard to make an “inclusion program” work, rather than viewing inclusion as a natural way of life.

Today my son brought home a guitar he made in his woodworking class. It is the most beautiful well-crafted instrument I have ever seen. I, like any parent, am proud to behold the talent and accomplishments of my children. This would be a very normal reaction for any parent, except that my child is blind, and has cerebral palsy, and is intellectually challenged.

If all these things are true, and my son’s participation in the making of this musical instrument is very limited, why is this guitar so special to me?

This guitar represents the true meaning of inclusion. The H.W.R.C.S.S.B. (Hamilton Wentworth Roman Catholic Secondary School Board) believes in the philosophy that each belongs and are working for a truly inclusive community. Once again these are only words unless they are being lived every moment of the day.

Last semester my son was enrolled in a woodworking class, his teacher never had special needs students in his class before. He was a little apprehensive at first, but expressed how he was willing to give it his best shot. He also stated he would try and make this woodworking class as meaningful as possible for my son. He achieved this by finding out his interests. He discovered his love for music, and that his brother played the guitar. He then decided that by making a guitar he would be able to relate to what he was doing and the finished product could be shared with his brother and other people.

Throughout the semester, under the direction of the teacher, educational assistant, and his peers, a piece of wood was transformed and shaped into a beautiful musical instrument. At the same time my son’s life has continued to grow by being part of the environment that told him he was valued and that he belonged. His peers were shown that being different doesn’t mean being excluded. The school community benefitted because they couldn’t help but be part of the positive feedback that was being conveyed throughout the school. They also knew that they had a direct part in the growth and development of my son.

Inclusion is probably one of our cheapest commodities. This is because it can’t be bought. It is felt, it is lived, and it comes from the heart. It is based on the philosophy that each person is valued and has a right to live and be an active participant in their community no matter how great or small the contribution is. Each may belong, but this can only work if we let it.

The guitar is being placed on a stand in a prominent place in our home. It can be picked up and played at anytime, but it will always stand for a true symbol of inclusion and self-worth.

I would like to thank all the teachers and friends my son has had over the years in the school system. All these people had a direct part in building this guitar by giving of themselves and letting my son be and grow into the person he is today.

All students are special. If you can learn to make a guitar with the children that are designated “Special Needs”, you have the ability to give the sense of value, dignity, and a presence of belonging to every student. You will have contributed to our community’s future generation of people that will say you may be limited in your ability to perform, but not in your ability to contribute.

Once again, I would like to thank the entire H.W.R.C.S.S.B. community for helping my son make his guitar.

The Compass is a publication of

Family Alliance Ontario
c/o Hamilton Family Network
22 Leeming Street
Hamilton, ON Canada L8L 5T3

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