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 For many of the 18- to 21-year-old students in Widefield School District #3 in Colorado Springs, bullying was a fact of life. These special-education students with borderline cognitive ability didn’t know how to advocate for themselves, or to do so constructively. They shoved. They cried. They acted out. As a result, in trying to take a stand against those who bullied them, they were often disciplined for their behavior.
“Our students have an array of developmental functioning levels,” explained Cindy Bowen, District Transition Coordinator. “Many struggle to fit into society and have a history of being bullied in school, the community, sometimes even in their own homes.” Widefield’s curriculum focuses on teaching everyday life skills – planning meals, selecting appropriate clothing, arranging transportation – to students who have completed their high school academic graduation requirements, but still need help transitioning into their next phase in life. “These students didn’t feel valued,” said Bobbi Harris, Community Trainer at Widefield. “They felt victimized and helpless to change the situation.” In searching for tools to help students, Bowen came across KIDPOWER, a program that teaches young people – including those with special needs – how to stay safe from abuse, assault and abduction. A three-year grant from The Colorado Trust has enabled Widefield to implement the program. The Trust’s Bullying Prevention Initiative helps schools and community-based organizations prevent bullying and related behaviors in40 Colorado counties. While everyone has the potential to be bullied, those with disabilities experience greater risk. Disabled students need help identifying threatening situations and learning how to confidently express themselves. Jan Isaacs Henry, Executive Director of the local KIDPOWER center, heard concerns from teachers and parents about students needing to learn to speak up for themselves, set boundaries, and overcome gossiping and other hurtful, immature behavior. Teachers participated in KIDPOWER classroom activities so they could incorporate the program’s tools and resources into their own curriculum. The program involves role-playing real-life scenarios in an upbeat, supportive environment. Students learn to handle bullies and other threatening situations with positive results. This reduces their anxiety and raises self-esteem, which improves the safety and quality of the students’ lives. For example, one 19-year-old student with developmental disabilities and emotional behavioral problems gained enough confidence to ride the city bus on his own. “Before KIDPOWER, he feared a ‘scary’ person might approach him,” explained Bowen. “He now knows how to be safe and ask for help.” KIDPOWER is teaching these students that, although the issues they face can be serious, learning to speak up and protect yourself is empowering. |
