There is plenty of research that details the benefits of inclusion in education and beyond. Not only is it fairer as it gives those with disabilities the chance to be part of the community and workforce, but it provide the opportunity for all students to develop empathy and to value individual diversity and difference.
Learn more about inclusion from Shan Harriman, CEO of Inclusion Cayman and parents Leslie and Daniel and find out more about their lived experiences in the Cayman Islands.
Shan Harriman, CEO of Inclusion Cayman
As a mother of a daughter with complex disabilities, and with 25 years’ experience working in the financial industry as a certified accountant, Shan brings a wealth of personal and professional experience to Inclusion Cayman. Her own personal journey with her daughter has provided her with a solid understanding of what barriers parents are faced with, and has given her direct insight into the importance of living an inclusive life. As a generational Caymanian with deep roots in the community, Shan is committed to promoting inclusion within our Islands and ensuring that people with disabilities have equal opportunities to live a productive life.
Why did you decide to join Inclusion Cayman?
I am the mom of a 15-year-old with complex disabilities. From day one I have always wanted her to be treated like everyone else and to be included. Inclusion is a passion of mine, and I am a strong advocate for my daughter and other people with disabilities. Joining Inclusion Cayman was an opportunity to be part of an organisation that cares about supporting and advocating for people with disabilities, a cause that is very dear to my heart.
Tell us about your experience as a mother to a daughter with complex needs?
There have been many ups and downs throughout the past 15 years. Never-ending doctor appointments, constantly juggling therapy sessions, fighting for a place in this community, especially in school, and often feeling hopeless and alone. I have been the struggling mom so I understand the challenges that other parents face. However, I believe that everything I have experienced; the barriers, the negative prognosis, the numerous doors closed in my face, has only allowed me to be a stronger voice for my daughter and by extension, the disability community. My daughter has made me who I am today: a strong, passionate voice that will allow us to rise above the many adversaries we face.There have been many ups and downs throughout the past 15 years. Never-ending doctor appointments, constantly juggling therapy sessions, fighting for a place in this community, especially in school, and often feeling hopeless and alone. I have been the struggling mom so I understand the challenges that other parents face. However, I believe that everything I have experienced; the barriers, the negative prognosis, the numerous doors closed in my face, has only allowed me to be a stronger voice for my daughter and by extension, the disability community. My daughter has made me who I am today: a strong, passionate voice that will allow us to rise above the many adversaries we face.
How have you seen inclusion working around the world?
When my daughter and I lived in the US we saw inclusion at its best; being allowed to attend mainstream school, being part of the sports team and having available employment opportunities. She had the chance to gain an independent life that adds value.
What are the benefits of inclusion for children?
We can all learn from each other. Having exposure to people with disabilities in your class, workplace or sports team, teaches acceptance, empathy and offers children the chance to build friendships regardless of their ability. Everyone has something to offer and we all benefit from inclusion. We all want to be accepted and have friends.
What changes would you like to see in the Cayman Islands?
At Inclusion Cayman we would like to have the opportunity to partner with the various stakeholders in education, recreation and employment so that we can find a successful way for people with disabilities to be accepted in mainstream schools, the varied recreational programmes on-Island and have the opportunity to gain employment.
What support does Inclusion Cayman currently offer? What do you hope it will offer in the future?
We provide ongoing advocacy and family support to help individuals with disabilities navigate achieving inclusive lives. Our Parent Inclusion Network (a passionate group of parents who advocate for their children) works to develop solutions to the barriers faced when trying to access the community, and it is blazing trails for families. We also offer professional development via workshops, leadership development strategies, and on-site coaching and consultancy in evidenced-based inclusive practices. This is provided to educators, employers, and recreation providers, and can be extended to other community members. But the work doesn’t begin and end with us as an organisation. There are many others working to achieve this in our community. If you'd like to find out how to be more inclusive, please contact Inclusion Cayman at info@inclusioncayman.ky.
What is your vision, as CEO, for the next two to five years?
I am planning to expand our support in schools and ensure there are more inclusive recreation programmes. We would like to create a clear pathway for students through secondary school and into vocational programmes, ultimately increasing employment opportunities. Cayman is my home, this is where my family is from, I want our community to be inclusive of all people regardless of their ability.
Leslie Bromfield
Leslie Bromfield is mother to Jordan (9) and Emma (7). Jordan has Down syndrome and attends Village Montessori.
What is your proudest parenting moment?
Figuring out how to strap in the car seat! But truly, when both my children join their class in the morning at school and friends run to greet them. We work hard to teach our kids to be loving and kind to everyone, that is most important thing.
What are the challenges you face in accessing community activities?
For us, it's the time to accompany Jordan to activities. My husband and I both work so it's hard to carve out extra time for sports, music, dance, etc. We can drop-off Emma, our daughter, that's no problem, but we are not quite ready for Jordan to be on his own outside of school or church.
What would you like people to know and understand about children with disabilities?
Please don't set limits on them. The power of expectation is so huge, and when we remove the 'can’t do' mindset, the sky’s the limit. At the same time, expect the same things as you would from children without disabilities. Jordan’s experience at Montessori has shown us that he can work independently and demonstrate good behaviour, just as his peers can, because that is the expectation.
What would you like to see change in Cayman to improve inclusion?
For all parents to have a choice in school setting. Right now there are limited options for those seeking an inclusive education. Expat parents are essentially left on their own if the Lighthouse School is unable to accept them. Thankfully, Inclusion Cayman now has a waiting list of schools seeking support with inclusion. The tide is changing, but there is still a lot of work to be done.
What advice would you give a parent whose child has recently be diagnosed?
Embrace the journey! While there are certainly lots of unknowns and potential struggles, you have no idea what joys may lie ahead as well. All children have 'a thing' they must overcome; do not become so wrapped up in your child’s diagnosis that you miss out on living. Take care of yourself and whatever you do, resist the urge to compare your child or lifestyle with others. Everyone is created for a purpose and your child is no different! Jordan is the gift we never knew we wanted. He has brought so much colour and blessing to our world, opened doors for helping others and helped us to keep the important things in life in perspective. We would not trade him for all the tea in China and we cannot wait to see who he becomes.
Daniel Reid
Daniel Reid’s son Ethan (12) is on the Autism Spectrum and is formally diagnosed.
What is your proudest moment?
There have been so many, but because my son is on the autism spectrum, as he develops I start to see his technological savants. As Ethan communicates differently, many assume that his receptive language is delayed, but that could not be further from the truth.His receptive language is on a par with a neurotypical child his age. In addition, his natural ability when it comes to technology is truly fascinating at times.
What has your child taught you?
My son has taught me selflessness, humility and patience. When we become parents, it becomes more about our kids than it does us. We owe them every opportunity to strive and flourish.
What are the challenges you face in accessing community activities?
I would like to see more opportunity for children with special needs to have access to summer and school break camps. There have been great strides to become more inclusive and Ethan has done swimming camps, agriculture camp and boxing camp, to name a few. But there are still some programmes that will not accommodate us once they are aware your child has special needs.
What would you like people to know and understand about children with disabilities?
Children with disabilities, and especially autism, are unique human beings but they want the same thing as any child – to be loved, cared for, valued, respected, and included.
What would you like to see change in Cayman to improve inclusion?
I would like to see better access to employment at all levels, access to better educational opportunities and adequate insurance coverage for therapies is needed.
What advice would you give a parent whose child has been recently diagnosed?
When Ethan was diagnosed as being on the ASD spectrum, it was a kick to the stomach. One has to put a pause on all the dreams and aspirations they had for their child. However, the sooner a child is diagnosed and treatment begins, the better the outcome for the child. I can attest to this, and I thank God every day that Ethan was diagnosed early and started on his therapeutic journey to ensure the best outcome for his life and future.
