BUFFALO, Minn. — This class at Buffalo High School is called Inclusive Physical Education.
It brings kids with special needs together with the rest of their peers to do everything from playing volleyball to lifting weights. Teachers say the program has helped not only the students, but the atmosphere of the entire school.
It's the second year of the class. It was started after it was becoming more and more apparent that kids with special needs weren't venturing outside of the special ed hallway.
In addition to the exercise, the class is helping students improve their communication skills and expanding their horizons. And the reach of the special class has made it all the way the nation's capitol.
Jen Heebink and two students were invited to Washington D.C. by Special Olympics to talk about the importance of Unified PE.
"We were able to speak to Senators and House of Representatives and lawmakers about why Unified PE needs to be continually funded," Heebink said.
Jen says she hopes someday they can expand this concept into more classes, like unified art and cooking classes, to create more opportunities for connections to be formed.
Heebink and the other teachers want their students to learn to connect with others, find a place to belong, and most of all - to be brave.