Heaton School Charter

Heaton School takes pride in being a truly inclusive community where all its members are valued and treated equally.

See me as a person, not as my disability
Allow me dignity and respect; Don’t judge, mock, taunt or ignore me. Don’t shame or humiliate me. Allow me privacy
Value me as a unique individual, acknowledging my strengths and weaknesses
Use my name when you talk to me. Don’t talk about me as if I wasn’t there.
Talk to me in a way I can understand, don’t talk at or about me
Involve me in conversations. Give me time to answer or respond, even if it takes me a long time or if I am difficult to understand introduce visitors to me
Don’t ask me a question when you are really giving me an instruction.
Understand that I have a right to make choices, give me the opportunity to do so.
Let me know what is going to happen, rather than it just happening to me.
Treat my wheelchair as an extension of me. Don’t use it as a prop.
Give me the opportunity to make my own mistakes, being aware of my vulnerability.
Involve me in decisions. Encourage me to give my views or advocate for me.
Fully involve my family in planning for my needs, and acknowledge them as the people who know me best.
Don’t handle me roughly or allow others to do so
Protect me from unkind actions, intended or otherwise, and help me cope with difficult situations.
My behavior might challenge you sometimes, but don’t always expect this.
Teach me about appropriate touch and personal space.
Support and encourage me to behave in a way that is appropriate for my age.