“About Me” Page

SEPAC MEETING – TUESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2023

PRESENTED BY TIMNA SERINO

What is an “About Me” Page?

• A visually appealing summary of your (special needs) child
• Highlights goals, strengths, areas your child is working on
• Unique traits and features
• Photo & basic information

Why should I create an “About Me” Page?

• Excellent way to introduce your child to new teachers or other educational staff
• Opportunity to highlight the positives of your child
• IEP meetings: adds more color/personality of your child
• Additional uses so others can get to know your kiddo who may or may not have access to the IEP/504:
• Summer School/ESY staff
• Summer camp staff
• Sports, music, dance (any kind of classes outside of school) instructors and coaches

What could I put on the “About Me” Page?

• Name, age, photo, grade in school
• Be sure to update about every 6 months!
• Vision statement
• Highlight personality – loud, friendly, shy, excitable
• Strengths – fast runner, determined, flexible
• Communication – prefer sign language, use a PECS board
• Things I love – family, pets, music, sports, LEGO, Barbie
• Things I’m working on – longer sentences, cutting with scissors, following instructions, gentle hands with friends (not necessarily what’s on the IEP!)
• Unique issues – feeding specifics, allergies, potty training stage, best response to challenging behaviors

How else can I use the “About Me” Page?

• Modify and create a shorter version for audiences outside of school
• Summer camp:
• Remove references to academics
• Add more applicable items – learning to swim, sensitive to heat, loud noises
• Sports coaches:
• Working on skills – learning rules of the game, throwing a ball, paying attention
• Strengths – kicking a ball, hitting a ball, cheering on the team
• I need a break when ______
• I sometimes cry when things don’t go my way
• I listen best when ______
• I love/hate to go first/last

Looks like a great tool, how do I start?

• Canva is an online layout tool with both free and paid-for options: canva.com
• Template available: https://www.canva.com/design/DAFZVqMY31U/m8pNrAMWwg45qR6CDPCDuA/view?utm_content=DAFZVqMY31U&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=sharebutton&mode=preview
• My templates can be shared if preferred
• Instructions available: https://our3lilbirds.blogspot.com/2017/05/how-to-make-one-page-profile-ellie-style.html?fbclid=IwAR1rxw4ufQeT4ajkJ3w2ChNGYzaNYM5kEBd07ZRL2Qbny4K4sFqgyHFYVHM
• Tip: consider distributing electronically via email (.pdf) or printing color copies, depending on your audience/environment

I wish every camper had one of these sheets!

Billy Sheerin, Burbank YMCA Camp Director

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