10 Reasons to Support Inclusive School Communities for ALL Students

This helpful article from the TIES Center provides incredibly useful information for anyone wanting to know why inclusion is so important. Read it and share it with friends!
Students with disabilities are entitled to certain protections/supports under 2 federal laws; the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA), 2004 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Below are links to various state agencies and organizations that provide in-depth information about special education law/regulations and specialized services available in Arkansas.
This helpful article from the TIES Center provides incredibly useful information for anyone wanting to know why inclusion is so important. Read it and share it with friends!
The Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management Institute at UA – Pulaski Tech admits a new cohort of students each fall who challenge others to think differently about disabilities, much like a 3D film highlights new dimensions, by offering post-secondary education and job preparation for adults with developmental or intellectual differences. 3D Students learn about professionalism in the industry through rigorous hands-on training before connecting with a supported internship in the fields of Culinary, Baking, and Hospitality.
This “Blue Book” is not intended to offer specific legal advice, but intends to be of general educational value so that the reader may better understand the purpose of the law governing the education of students with disabilities.
http://disabilityrightsar.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/DRA-Bluebook-2015.pdf
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a federal law that guarantees that children with disabilities receive a free appropriate public education alongside their non-disabled peers.
http://disabilityrightsar.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/A-Parents-Guide-DRA-.pdf
Academics, Community, Career Development and Employment Program (ACCE)
Postsecondary Education & Training
Easterseals Arkansas and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock have an exciting new program for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities in central Arkansas.
The Academics, Community, Career Development and Employment Program (ACCE) is an opportunity for students to have a college experience and prepare for competitive employment. Academics, social support, work exploration, and job placement are all components of the program.
ACCE is a two-semester program on the UA Little Rock campus. For additional information, or to apply, please contact Easterseals Arkansas at 501-227-3600 or info@eastersealsar.com.
This checklist can help guide you and your child towards adolescent autonomy.
https://www.txp2p.org/Media/care-notebook-files/Adolescent_Autonomy_Checklist.pdf
The Advocate Medical Group is a primary and specialty healthcare clinic that has served the medical and psychosocial needs of over 6,000 teens and adults with Down syndrome since 1992. As a comprehensive medical resource we provide patients everything from holistic care and support to education and resources in a compassionate, welcoming environment. We also hold events, participate in community outreach and conduct research.
The Arkansas Autism Resource & Outreach Center (AAROC) was established January 2008 as a non-profit 501(c)3 organization. The mission of the AAROC is to provide Hope, Direction & Support to families of individuals diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder.
The Arkansas Department of Education is responsible for dispersing funds to local school districts for special education and related services, and they also regulate services. This website contains complete Arkansas regulations and forms that are required for Individualized Education Plans (IEPs).
This article from the American University School of Education provides lots of helpful, practical information for educators to improve the accessibility of their classrooms.
Ashley Barlow is an advocate who helps parents with IEPs and provides many resources. From Ashely Barlow’s homepage:
I’m here to empower parents and educators to become advocates and teachers, through collaboration, education, and support.
Bridging the gap between technology and people with disabilities.
BridgingApps is a program of Easter Seals Greater Houston that provides access to educational and therapeutic tools—anywhere, anytime—allowing parents, teachers, and therapists to effectively use mobile devices and apps to target and improve individual skill development to help children and adults with disabilities reach their highest levels of physical and cognitive development.
Center on Technology and Disability: provides a wealth of free resources about assistive and instructional material – personal and professional development webinars, articles, guides, training materials and more.
The Center on Technology and Disability (CTD) is funded by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP). The Center is designed to increase the capacity of families and providers to advocate for, acquire, and implement effective assistive and instructional technology (AT/IT) practices, devices, and services. Research-based technologies, used appropriately, have great potential to help infants, toddlers, children, and youth with disabilities participate fully in daily routines; have increased access to the general educational curriculum; improve their functional outcomes and educational results; and meet college- and career-ready standards.
CIR/CUIT – Centralized Intake and Referral / Consultant Unified Intervention Team
CIR/CUIT is a group of special education consultants available to assist in interventions for students with sensory disabilities, multiple physical disabilities, behavior, and autism spectrum disorders. Services can be requested by parents, guardians, caregivers, school personnel, or any other concerned party.
Council for Exceptional Children: professional association of educators dedicated to advancing the success of children with exceptionalities.
ARS provides services including career and technical education and training, transition from school to work or postsecondary education, on-the-job training, and ancillary support services that clients may need for successful employment.
http://ace.arkansas.gov/arRehabServices/aboutARS/Pages/default.aspx
This enlightening slideshow contains lots of great information about Down Syndrome. This is a great resource to share with loved ones. Download as either a
“We support scientific research and deliver evidence-based advice and information to improve educational outcomes for children with Down syndrome.
We work in partnership with Down Syndrome Education International. Together, our research, resources and services help people with Down syndrome in over 170 countries achieve more and live more independent and fulfilling lives.
You can find out more about our research, resources and services on the main DSE web site”
This enlightening slideshow contains tons of great information about Down Syndrome. This is a great resource to share with loved ones.
EMPOWER offers a four-year, non-degree college experience program for students with cognitive disabilities that incorporates functional academics, independent living, employment, social/leisure skills, and health/wellness skills in a public university setting with the goal of producing self-sufficient young adults. The University of Arkansas program is offered for students who demonstrate the ability to safely live independently, sustain employment, and socially integrate during their enrollment. The program progresses with an emphasis on workplace experience, community integration, and independent living with transitionally reduced supports. Students who successfully complete the program will receive a certificate of program completion.
“Millions of families are facing the challenge of working from home with kids for the first time. For many, juggling professional responsibilities with childcare presents a challenge that can feel insurmountable.
Our child life experts created comprehensive guides to support families experiencing this balancing act. They address issues like WFH schedules for kids of all ages, financial security, self-care, how to encourage independent learning, coping with stress, and helping kids stay social.
We also asked families and teachers around the world to submit their best ideas to keep kids engaged while their parents work. Our curated directory of activities includes hundreds of activities that parents can filter by age, screens, parental involvement, and more. Our directory grows daily as parents submit creative ideas to keep the whole family thriving.”
Students with intellectual disabilities may be able to get certain types of federal student aid.
If you have an intellectual disability, you may receive funding from the Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, and Federal Work-Study programs. Find more information on studentaid.gov.
https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/eligibility/requirements/intellectual-disabilities
FREE Speech and language, OT, and many other SEND resources for families and schools
This is a long list of free resources for your family.
Handwriting without Tears uses multisensory, developmentally appropriate strategies to increase success with early writing skills.
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a law that makes available a free appropriate public education to eligible children with disabilities throughout the nation and ensures special education and related services to those children.
“The mission of Inclusion Works Foundation (Inclusion Works) is to promote Equity and Access to a Quality Inclusive Education for children of ALL ABILITIES.”
The Inclusion Works Foundation supports inclusive Classrooms, inclusive education, special education inclusion (definition) and the overall promotion of IDEA. Specifically, the promotion of Inclusion, Diversity & Educational Activism for parents, students, educators and community – in all settings. Inclusion means “Everyone Matters!”
Intervention Central provides teachers, schools and districts with free resources to help struggling learners and implement Response to Intervention and attain the Common Core State Standards.
Life Styles enthusiastically supports individuals with disabilities in reaching their full potential as contributing members of the community. They are the organization behind the Launch program.
Launch is a program for students between the ages of 18 and 25 who want a college experience. They are able to experience many social aspects of the University of Arkansas such as having class on campus, using the gym on campus, eating at the Union and Commons, having University Mentors and Internships. The classes that the students take are focused on continuing education (math, reading, writing, etc.) and independent living skills (budgeting, career exploration, social skills, healthy living, etc). It is not fully affiliated with the University of Arkansas; partnerships between departments exist. For additional information, please contact the Program Director.
Launch program: https://thinkcollege.net/programs/launch
Life Styles: http://www.lifestylesinc.org/
“Practice addition, multiplication, fractions, and algebraic reasoning with our popular math games.”
A free service provided by the Arkansas Department of Education, mediation brings together parents and educators to work with each other to resolve disagreements about a child’s special education needs. Special education mediation is voluntary and confidential.
https://arksped.k12.ar.us/documents/disputeresolution/mediationprojectbrochure.pdf
The National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) offers several scholarships. Find more information on their website.
“Once a child with Down syndrome is born, parents frequently want to know how well their son or daughter is developing. Now we have guideposts …,”
Do you need help with your Individualized Education Plan (IEP)? NDSS offers personalized inclusion support to families and schools.
Fill out the form on NDSS’s website to be contacted by a member of their team.
ACCESS Initiative is an innovative job-training program providing a nine-month internship program for young adults, with developmental disabilities. Interns in the program complete (3) ten-week rotations at a partnering business with the goal of gaining necessary skills to obtain competitive employment. Upon completion of the program, staff provide assistance with finding employment within the community and continued support during employment
The goal and mission at Ruby’s Rainbow is to grant scholarships to adults with Down syndrome who are seeking post-secondary education, enrichment or vocational classes, helping them achieve their dreams of higher education while spreading awareness of their capabilities and general awesomeness.
Scholastic has compiled a large library of learn from home resources, freely available.
https://classroommagazines.scholastic.com/support/learnathome.html
“School Virtually provides information for educators and parents as schools make a quick switch to distance and online learning. Going beyond lists of resources, School Virtually provides tips on designing online instruction, using technology tools, and supporting students with disabilities and language learners.”
This is an online tool that helps you read any content on your computer screen.
Snap&Read Universal is a product of Don Johnston Incorporated.
“With schools closed because of the coronavirus, your child may be stuck at home for weeks or longer. You may be worried not just about keeping your child occupied, but also about missing work.”
https://www.understood.org/en/school-learning/stuck-at-home-activities
“Welcome to The Inclusive Class Blog! My name is Nicole and I advocate for the inclusion of students with disabilities in the general education classroom.”
The Transition Coalition is an organization run through the University of Kansas which aims to maximize professional development opportunities for career and college readiness for youth with disabilities.
Think College is a resource that helps people with disabilities navigate options for higher education.
“As high school graduation draws near, students with disabilities encounter a spectrum of options for their transition into the working world.”
https://www.accreditedschoolsonline.org/vocational-trade-school/people-with-disabilities/
This checklist can help guide you and your child towards a successful transition.
https://www.txp2p.org/Media/care-notebook-files/Transition_Developmental_Checklist.pdf
Understood.org is an educational resource website that has many helpful videos and articles related to IEPs and special education. Visit their homepage or see our
“Looking for new apps to support you during your time at home?
These apps might be helpful for different issues such as data collection, visual schedules, social skills, and more. Behavior analysts, teachers, speech-language pathologists, or other team members may be of help customizing these for your child of any age.”
Woodbine House was founded in 1985 by the father of a child with Down syndrome who hoped to give other parents access to the type of practical, empathetic information he had struggled to find for himself. Since those pre-Internet days, our mission has grown to encompass publishing accessible, empowering books for families, teachers, and professionals who are seeking guidance and support in helping children and adults with any disability achieve their potential.
Arkansas Down Syndrome Association promotes and enhances the overall health and well-being of people with Down syndrome and their families.
Learn more about ADSA >