State Launches Program To Teach Students About Inclusion

The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) is starting a Disability Inclusive Curriculum Pilot Program to teach K-12 students historical, political, economic and social improvements made by individuals with disabilities. This year, schools can apply and receive up to $30K grant funding for the next three years to help set up the curriculum. 

The purpose of this program is to decrease the stigma associated with the disabilities by including information about disabilities as a part of the principle teachings of the school. This new syllabus will help students understand that disability is natural and normal. It is important to teach kids in school that there are famous people with disabilities who overcame challenges to make an impact in our society. For example, President Franklin D. Roosevelt had polio, and Winston Churchill had bipolar disorder; the program will reinforce the positive impact these individuals had in our community, which will hopefully create a more inclusive environment.

Disability should not be hidden or shamed; like anyone in our in society, people with disabilities live, work, and give positive contributions.