Students teach each other about disabled kids

Several students have dedicated their time to learning and teaching
others about children with disabilities.

The Student Council for Exceptional Children has between 80 and 100
active members.

Laura Brinkert, Schoolcraft senior and SCEC president, said members
try to bring awareness of people and children with disabilities through
service projects, fund-raisers, conferences and bringing in expert
speakers.

“Students who will be working with people and children with
disabilities, especially teachers, should know about different
disabilities,” Brinkert said.

Most members are studying to be teachers, Brinkert said, but anyone
is welcome to join the organization.

Rochester Hills senior Erin Scussel, the SCEC fund raising chair,
said she joined the group because she wanted to learn more about
students she will be working with.

“I got involved with SCEC because I am going into special education
and I wanted to do something outside of class,” Scussel said.

One of SCEC’s biggest events is Exceptional Children’s Week, which
happens Feb. 13 to 19.

The group will have a booth in the lower level of the Bovee
University Center and will be handing out information about exceptional
children with disabilities.

The group also will partner with Mount Pleasant and Beal City school
districts for a pen pal program this semester.

Scussel said she likes the pen pal program because it is the easiest
program in which for members to participate.

More information about the group or events can be obtained by
e-mailing Brinkert at brink1lb@cmich.edu.