Developmental Disabilities Creates Common Bond Across Waters: USF CARD Welcomes Students from United Kingdom

“We are all the same in different ways,” explained one third grader, after spending time with a classmate with a disability. Whether it’s in elementary school, high school or in college, teachers of exceptional students have this goal in common – to help enable their students to function at their highest level and participate effectively in their communities.

"We all need to look for ways to build natural social supports and enhance community involvement so that individuals with disabilities feel welcome,” said Karen Berkman, director of the Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD) at USF.

A number of students recently practiced their social skills when CARD staff, students from the USF STAGES (Successful Transition After Graduation for Exceptional Students) program, and students from Wharton High School’s Exceptional Education Department welcomed a group of students with autism visiting from the United Kingdom.

"This idea was started by Karen Hutchins, a teacher from the United Kingdom who wanted to provide her students with a unique experience to see what the United States had to offer and to connect with peers,” said Berkman. “She found the CARD-USF website and connected to additional links that eventually brought her to the Hillsborough County Administrative Resource teacher for the Autism Program.”

On March 4th, 5 students and 5 teachers from the United Kingdom visited CARD-USF. They met students participating in USF’s STAGES program, a collaborative effort between the School District of Hillsborough County, Department of Exceptional Student Education Transition Program and the Department of Special Education in the USF College of Education. STAGES provides exceptional education students (ESE) with an opportunity to experience college life, explore career options and job opportunities, and interact with USF students and staff.

The STAGES students provided a tour of the campus for the international guests. There was also a question and answer session at the CARD-USF office, where teachers had the opportunity to share ideas and exchange what has worked well in their classrooms.

On March 8th, the UK guests visited teacher Sharon Bayer’s Wharton High School classroom for students with autism and related disabilities. The visit included a “meet and greet” with students and visitors, photo and e-mail exchanges, lunch and bowling.

"This was a wonderful opportunity for all,” said Berkman. “We feel privileged to have had the chance to meet new friends from the UK and look forward to keeping in touch through pen pal relationships.”

For additional information, contact CARD at 813-974-2532, or card-usf@fmhi.usf.edu