Ability Awareness Program
The SELPA1CAC has developed an Ability Awareness Program (AAP) which aims to promote understanding, acceptance and appreciation of individual learning and ability differences through fun, experiential activities. Parent volunteers involve students in activities designed to simulate different disabilities to experience first-hand what it is like to be disabled. Guided discussions address issues of acceptance, inclusion, making friends and celebrating differences. The Palo Alto CAC would love to help you implement the program in your school. Please contact us for more information.
Inclusive Schools Network
The Inclusive Schools Network (ISN) is a global resource and network of professionals, families, schools and organizations focusing on inclusive education around the world. At the heart of ISN is the mission: To encourage, embolden and empower people to design and implement effective inclusive schools, by sharing insights and best practices and by providing opportunities for connection.
Universal Design for Learning
UDL s a set of principles for curriculum development that give all individuals equal opportunities to learn and provides a blueprint for creating instructional goals, methods, materials, and assessments that work for everyone–not a single, one-size-fits-all solution but rather flexible approaches that can be customized and adjusted for individual needs.
Inclusion Warm Line
The Inclusion Support “Warm Line” is a free support, information and referral service regarding the inclusion of children with special needs and disabilities in our community.
Richard Villa
A consultant and advocate on Inclusive School Environments and co-teaching.
Handout of his PAUSD presentation, January 14, 2015 (docx download).
TEDx Talk: Why separating kids with disabilities from their peers hurts instead of helps
Educator Torrie Dunlap believes that we look at kids with disabilities the wrong way. By calling their needs “special” and pushing them into “special” schools, groups and activities, we segregate them, sending a message that if you have a disability, you aren’t welcome to participate in “regular” activities. Please also read the comments – there is no one fits all solution.
Inclusion: Leading the Way in Access for Everyone
What is inclusion and tips for inclusion in an organization by Autism Speaks and an Autism/Disability Inclusion Self-Assessment .
Inclusion List of SPEAC
List with interesting articles and websites on Inclusion of the Special Education Advisory council to the School District of Upper Dublin.
(We include relevant resources but don’t endorse any particular organization or program. To add a resource, let us know.)