Author

Clara Zubrick

Term

Fall 2024

Capstone

Capstone Project

Degree Name

MAED: NSEE

Facilitator(s)

Trish Harvey

Content Expert

Ardalia Jackson

Abstract

This project aims to answer how outdoor environmental education programs (OEE) can be more inclusive for youth with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) through staff training, program design, and facilitation. The research focuses on what inclusive means in the context of OEE, how OEE programs benefit youth with autism, and what specific learning differences and pedagogical approaches need to be considered when designing and facilitating inclusive programs for youth with autism. The project created is a two-day professional development workshop for informal educators working in environmental education settings. The goal of the project is to provide instructional content that increases educators’ knowledge of ASD and evidence-based practices for working with youth with autism, equip educators with tools they can use when developing or modifying programs to be inclusive, and allow educators time to collaborate and develop a pilot program that puts into practice what they have learned throughout the workshop. The intended impacts of this project is to increase the necessary knowledge and skills among educators working in informal OEE settings and increase opportunities for meaningful participation for youth with autism

Project Type

Professional Development

Keywords

Special Education, Staff Development, Accessibility, Environmental Education

dc_type

text

dc_publisher

DigitalCommons@Hamline

dc_format

application/pdf

dc_source

School of Education Student Capstone Projects

Included in

Education Commons

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