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Hernando Today

Peer To Peer

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By TONY MARRERO

Hernando Today

Published: March 12, 2009

Updated:

BROOKSVILLE - Ashley Brooks is a veteran when it comes to working with her disabled peers, but the Central High School senior found a challenge in Brittany Guarino.

Brittany has autism and was paired up with Brooks last year as part of Central's Peer Support Program, which places general education students with students with disabilities.

Brittany at first was "very reserved," recalls Brooks, who was a junior at the time and had first joined the program as a sixth-grader at West Hernando Middle School. The more time they spent together, Brittany began to open up.

"I noticed a complete change in her," Brooks says. "She's really excited to see me now. She makes it really clear what she wants to do."

Last spring, when Brittany graduated, Brooks was there.

"I walked with her to the stage, and she walked the rest of the way by herself," she said.

That kind of bond is the result teachers and administrators hope to see from the Peer Support Program. West Hernando began a similar program a few years ago that spread to Central. Central's program has existed in its current form for two years.

The program makes it possible for exceptional education students who in the past have been grouped together to be a part of the rest of the school population, to interact with all students in general education classes.

"When they do that, they benefit academically, and they benefit socially," said Theresa Gramazio, an exceptional education teacher who coordinates the program along with fellow ESE teacher Renee Supple. "It's more natural for a teenager to interact with a teenager than an adult supervisor."

The benefits go both ways, Gramazio said. The general education students "learn how to be more empathetic toward others."

"It makes a difference in their characters," she said. "They definitely become more confident in themselves because they're advocating for someone else. They're more open to diversity, more compassionate. It just makes them better people."

There are 160 general education students and 50 disabled students in the program.

Tiffany Faulkingham, a junior, paired up with TeErica Pope, a senior with autism, last year.

They bonded in gym class, and Pope's appreciation shines through, says Faulkingham.

"She just has the biggest smile on her face," she said. "Seeing them that happy, that's what makes me want to do this."

"Tiffany is smart, kind and sensitive," Pope said shyly.

Several peers admitted they were nervous about signing up for the program. They wondered if they would have the skills for the task. The students earn a credit for the course and are expected to hand in written assignments after researching the disabilities of their peer.

Megan Giuffo, a 17-year-old senior, has worked with several disabled peers and knows a lot more about cerebral palsy now through the research assignments. But while the textbook knowledge is helpful, "You find out so much more just by watching them every day," Giuffo said.

Students expressed a sentiment over and over again as they talked about the program Thursday. Working with disabled students often means contending with mood swings, wandering attention and outbursts.

"I have a lot more patience than I thought I did," said Jordan Koenig, a 17-year-old senior.

Students often find themselves taking a stand for their peers. Morgan Owens, an 18-year-old senior, has been part of the program since the sixth-grade and is quick to admonish students who make fun of her friends.

"They think just because they're in a wheelchair they can't do anything," said senior Morgan Owens, 18. "You can't judge a book by its cover."

For some students, the interaction leads to career interests. Amy Kyler, a 16-year-old junior, started working with disabled students while at West Hernando Middle.

Kyler said she's considering a career in exceptional education and is already adept in concepts such as visual learners, who pick up concepts through images, pictures and color.

"It makes me feel good to help people and to know I'm making a difference," she said.

Reporter Tony Marrero can be reached at 352-544-5286 or lmarrero@hernandotoday.com.

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