Applying Empathy Curriculum to Enhance the Role of the Paraprofessional for Students with Multiple Disabilities
Christopher Russel
Soribel Genao, PhD
CUNY, Queens College
Abstract
The primary aim of this paper is to address how empathy curriculum can be applied to training needs of paraprofessionals working with students who have multiple disabilities. A thorough review of the literature on the role of the paraprofessional and implications for training and supervision is provided. This is juxtaposed with a review of the literature on empathy training/curriculum, and a discussion on the potential for applying empathy curriculum to existing needs for paraprofessional training. Results of a survey of 32 paraprofessionals working with students with multiple disabilities across New York State are presented. The survey emphasizes paraprofessionals’ experience with training relevant to components of empathy, and self-reported perceptions of effectiveness in developing positive relationships and supporting holistic educational programs for students with multiple disabilities. The review and synthesis of literature from these two fields, and the survey results, suggest that empathy curriculum is a relevant area of training need to paraprofessionals, and further research is warranted on the topic.
Keywords: Paraprofessional, training, empathy curriculum
Read or Download
To Read this Article - or Download this Article (login required)
To Download the Entire FALL 2021 Issue of JAASEP - (login required)
NASET Members - Login to Access These Files.
Not a Member?
If you are a member of NASET, please login to freely access this and all archived articles of JAASEP
If you are NOT A MEMBER of NASET you may purchase this article of JAASEP for $5.95 (use the "Buy now" button below):
OR Buy the entire issue of JAASEP FALL 2021 for $24.95. Use the BUY NOW button below:
OR - Join NASET and have access to this & ALL PAST ISSUES of JAASEP - JOIN NASET