December Community Advocate of the Month: Jackie Nicholson
Congratulations to our first Community Advocate of the Month, Hamilton High School (HHS) teacher Jackie Nicholson!
The Community Advocate of the Month series, features someone in the Butler County community that is going above and beyond to advocate for those with developmental disabilities (DD)!
Jackie has worked as an Intervention Specialist for 33 years at HHS and throughout her teaching career has led the way for advocating for those within the DD community.
“As a child, I loved to pretend to be a teacher, and I pursued my goal of becoming an educator at the University of Cincinnati,” Jackie said. “During my student teaching experience, I realized that I have a natural ability to connect with students who have Developmental Disabilities. I find it very rewarding to help these students achieve their goals.”
At HHS Jackie helps co-facilitate a group called Better Together, a student-led group that promotes meaningful friendships, self-advocacy skills, and an increase of disability awareness for all students within the HHS community. In addition to being involved in Better Together, Jackie also helped create and now maintains the HHS sensory garden. The sensory garden is utilized as an accessible space for learning for all students in the HHS community.
“As an Intervention Specialist, I strongly believe in advocating for individuals in the DD community who may not have a voice of their own,” Jackie said. “In my classroom, I teach academic subjects and also emphasize the importance of self-advocacy. I encourage my students to express their feelings, speak up for themselves, and ensure that their needs are heard and addressed. One of my most significant achievements in advocacy is my contribution to developing a Sensory Garden at Hamilton High School. This garden is specifically designed to meet the sensory and accessibility needs of our students. It includes raised garden beds, a sensory path, and adaptive gardening tools. The garden includes a communication board with picture symbols to further enhance communication, enabling students to effectively express their wants and needs and advocate for themselves. Another way I engage in advocacy is by supporting student participation in the Better Together club. This club aims to promote meaningful friendships, self-advocacy skills, and increased disability awareness within the school. By helping students participate in Better Together, I am able to guide them in becoming strong advocates for themselves and others.”
Megan Plogman, who teaches at HHS with Jackie says she is a strong advocate for all!
“Jackie uses her extensive knowledge and experience to mentor her co-teachers and educational assistants,” Megan said. “She encourages students to be their best always! The Hamilton High functional cohort is a better place because of her. She is amazing and is rarely ever recognized for her contributions to our community.”
Jackie says that there are so many things about her job that she loves, but the most fulfilling part is witnessing the positive impact she can have on the lives of her students.
“Seeing my students achieve their academic and post-secondary goals and witnessing their growth is truly inspiring,” Jackie explained. “It brings me great joy to observe my former students thriving and making a difference in the community. Throughout my career, I have come to understand the power of one person in advocating for the wants and needs of individuals with Developmental Disabilities. It is important not to sit back and remain silent but to stand up and support these individuals. I encourage everyone to get involved in advocating for the DD community, whether through volunteering, supporting organizations, or using their voice to raise awareness and promote inclusion. Together, we can make a difference and ensure that the voices of individuals with Developmental Disabilities are heard and valued. After my years of teaching in the public school system are over, I am determined to use my knowledge and experience as an Intervention Specialist to advocate for individuals with Developmental Disabilities. I firmly believe in the power of volunteering to positively impact the lives of students.”
Jackie, the Hamilton community is so lucky to have you advocating and changing the lives of students with disabilities every day! Thank you for all that you do!
Do you know someone that is doing an outstanding job advocating for individuals with DD? Please put your nomination in for January’s Community Advocate of the Month by Friday, January 5. Remember this opportunity is open to ANYONE that is doing big things for the DD community!