GMAA race a first for neurodivergent students at JCA!

By Tina Filippone, Courtney Sculnick and Alba Cano Juarez

Heartwarming support and loud cheers emerged from the crowd full of parents, volunteers and participants at the annual Greater Montreal Athletic Association (GMAA) cross country race on October 5. Schools from across the Montreal region had the opportunity to come together to fraternize and compete on Mount Royal.

This year’s race marked a significant stride towards real inclusion and empowerment for the English Montreal School Board (EMSB) as neurodivergent students were invited to participate in the one-kilometre run, allowing them to showcase their athletic abilities and passion for running. The inclusive race was a huge success as neurodivergent students from John Caboto Academy demonstrated their athletic abilities and perseverance to complete the race with the correct adaptations and support.

These adaptations included creating a social story for students that explained what is done during a race, such as wearing a bib, lining up, waiting for the start cue, cheering everyone on, teaching them not to give up during the run. The students also practiced running on the track in the park with their physical education teachers to build up their stamina and to practice all the skills needed to be successful during the race at Mont Royal.

On race day our John Caboto support staff ran alongside the students the entire race to ensure they knew where to run as they require visual boundaries. The air gun shot to initiate the race was replaced by a visual hand cue to accommodate some students who are sensitive to loud noises.

Inclusive opportunities such as these give students of all abilities the equal opportunity to grow their athletic abilities, increase their confidence and continue to cultivate a sense of belonging in our world. Inclusion not only benefits our neurodivergent population; it also helps build understanding, acceptance and a sense of respect for those with different abilities.

Katherine Baker, EMSB Physical Education and Health consultant, played a vital role in creating this inclusive event. John Caboto Academy is looking forward to planning and hosting a mini-inclusive race for all EMSB students enrolled in our specialized classes this spring.

Tina Filippone is a behavioural technician, and Alba Cano Juarez is a special education teacher, both at John Caboto Academy. Courtney Sculnick is a special education consultant with the English Montreal School Board.