2 replies to this topic

[Mindy]

Drew has come up with the idea of wanting to try and do a exchange student experience. I told him if he does it, it's not going to be this year I'm just not ready for that, but by next year it should be ok. He's getting really good at being very independent and I know it will only get better. Has anyone been a exchange student since their injury?

Edited by Mindy, 04 September 2010 - 07:23 PM.

[Talia-Sky]

I have a friend Kane whom is a t-4 paraplegic, he did a semester in London last year and loved it a great deal.

I haven't done it yet and nor do I have a sci, I do however have pretty server Diabetes. We've looked on a quite a few sites, some aren't the best with dealing with students with different needs. We found this site that is very understanding, I hope this works for you http://www.asse.com/...high_school.htm

They also do 4 or 6 week summer programs, I'm set to leave for Spain for 6 weeks at the end of this school year. A wile a ways but something very exciting to look forward to. I opted to not do a program during the school year due to sports I'm involved with.

I hope this helps and brings Drew a lot of smiles

[jenny407]

Mindy,
I haven't got any experience of SCI exchange students. But as a teacher, I regularly organise a number of exchanges (with France and England) and I know many of my pupils loved the experience (and there were a few difficult experiences with some families, too). We did have pupils with serious chronic illnesses, and all went well.

I think it's a great idea - I'm glad to hear that Drew is obviously coping so well. I also believe this year would be a bit early. Are you thinking of an exchange organised by your school or outside? Do have a talk with Drew's teachers and get informed on the Internet (Talia-Sky's website, e. g.) and talk to pupils who went on an exchange. It would be important to choose a good exchange family and talk with them before Drew goes.

Questions to consider:
1) How long? (between 1 week and 1 year) I would start with a shorter stay to begin with.
2) How far? Perhaps not so far at first.
3) During the school year or during the holidays?
4) Is any of Drew's friends going along with him?
5) Does anybody know the host family?

If he wants to go, try to make it possible for him (next year).
Good luck!

Jenny

Edited by jenny407, 05 September 2010 - 09:12 AM.