How Jonathan got through Bible college
Schools encouraged to accept special needs students
By Addy Oberlin Special to ChristianWeek
Jonathan is a young man who has Downs Syndrome. In 1995 he graduated from high school with a life skills diploma, and wanted very much to go to Bible college. I wrote to about a dozen different colleges, but only two indicated they would be able to accommodate him.
He went to the one closest to home. The first year he stayed in the dorm during the week and came home on weekends. The second and third year he was in residence full-time. Each day he took classes, attended chapel and spent time in work experience, partly at school and partly in the community.
After a year, Jonathan received his "certificate of participation" and was allowed to stay for another two years. The second year he received his "diploma of participation" and earned an award for sportsmanship. His enthusiastic presence as "assistant coach" of the hockey team was a great help to the team.
This spring Jonathan graduated with a "bachelor degree in participation." Tears flowed as he gave his speech. A joyful singer, Jonathan sang with a quartet during the banquet. It was a highlight for him to sing in front of the audience. Students and professors alike accepted Jonathan as part of the student body.
Now Jonathan hopes to find meaningful employment, but will miss the fellowship and Christian atmosphere he was able to enjoy for three years. Because he was able to take in about 40 hours of biblical studies, he has grown as a Christian and is a better person for it.
Learning experience
On the other side, the Bible college learned that it is possible to include a special needs student in their program and be blessed in the process.
I strongly recommend that Bible colleges open their doors to special needs students and advertise the fact. A number of these students come out of high schools each summer, and some will be looking for an opportunity to attend Bible college–just like some of their friends.
They are familiar with school discipline, and should be given the same possibilities as their peers.
For the past 12 years, Addy Oberlin has been Jonathan’s foster mother. She lives in Swan River, Manitoba.
Courtesy of Addy Oberlin
Happy graduate: Jonathan de Graaf
graduated from Bible school this spring.
