[nfbmi-talk] are mi blind kides in 4 h?

[joe harcz Comcast]

It would be interesting to note how many of Michigan’s youth who are blind partake or even know of these opportunities.

 

Joe

 

 

 

Inclusive 4-H is beneficial to both youth with and without disabilities.

 

Posted on November 25, 2014 by

Janice Zerbe,

Michigan State University Extension

Tweet

 

According to the

Michigan State University

indicia,

4-H

is open to all and I believe that to be true. After a local 4-H volunteer attended the

Michigan State University Extension

4-H Volunteer Forum and a session about differently abled 4-H, Van Buren County made it a priority to include more youth with disabilities in the local

4-H program.

 

All youth need opportunities to be involved in activities unique to their own talents and interests. 4-H can empower youth with disabilities with the opportunity

to be involved, make friendships and gain life skills. These opportunities are important to the 4-H program and can be embraced by members with and without

disabilities.

 

Through 4-H, all youth with disabilities are given the opportunity to develop self-confidence, self-reliance and enhance life skills. At the same time,

4-H members without disabilities begin to see that everyone, disabled or not, has strengths and weaknesses and they learn to be less biased towards others.

An inclusive 4-H program encourages members without disabilities to assist those with disabilities, helping them to develop their own skills in serving

others while learning to be more empathetic. As a result, both parties learn a lot about patience and perseverance.

 

According to the

University of Wyoming,

an inclusive 4-H program is one that:

List of 4 items

1. Recognizes that people are the same but also different.

2. Creates chances for others to experience freedom to participate.

3. Values each person and diversity.

4. Supports participation.

list end

 

Looking to make your 4-H program more inclusive?

Michigan State University Extension

has information on inclusive 4-H, predominantly related to the long-time

Proud Equestrians Program.

Other examples of successful inclusive 4-H programs include the

Northwestern Michigan 4-H Livestock Council.

 

This article was published by

Michigan State University Extension.

For more information, visit

http://www.msue.msu.edu.