Guest Blog Post: Inclusive Schools Week 2020
Image Credit: The Inclusive Schools Network
Inclusive Schools Week is December 7th - 11th, 2020!
This December join SFUSD school sites across the district in celebrating Inclusive Schools Week. Historically, Inclusive Schools Week has been an opportunity for us to come together to honor all students with disabilities as full members of our school communities. With this year’s theme of "The Time for Inclusion is Now,” there is a recognition of the importance of inclusion across all differences, as well as the urgency of acting in the present moment to rectify injustices across all aspects of our society. A more just society is a more inclusive one. When we appreciate the inherent right of every individual to be equal in the eyes of society, the law and in the opportunities life offers, we can appreciate that the movement to gain inclusion for children with disabilities is the same promise that must be realized for all children.
Inclusive Schools Weeks provides an opportunity for SFUSD educators and community members to teach students not just about disabilities but also about the intersection of disabilities with other categories of identity, like race, gender, class, cultural heritage, language preference and other differences. Education and awareness can be a powerful tool to bridge across various differences and enable all students to find their voice and be appreciated for their unique selves.
This year, SFUSD has a number of exciting events planned to celebrate Inclusive Schools Week including an online art showcase, a student focused discussion panel, virtual school assemblies hosted by Special Olympics, and various special education trainings that will be available to staff, students and families.
How to Get Involved
Check-in with your student, teachers or school staff to see what activities are planned for Inclusive Schools Week at your child’s school.
If you are not a special education parent, offer to be an ally. Being a special education parent can be an isolating experience. Knowing that there are other parents out there who are allies, willing to lend a hand is a good thing.
Think about students and families who might be marginalized at your school and consider ways in which they can be supported and more fully included in your community.
For more information about the week or simple things you can do, check out the SFUSD Special Education Website ISW Page, by clicking here.
Online Art Showcase
This showcase is open to all students to share what inclusion means to them. It can be related to their disability, gender, socio-economic status, cultural heritage, language preference or other unique trait they would like to share.
The showcase will be displayed on a public website and will include multiple forms of media including photos, audio files and video clips. Submissions are due no later than Tuesday, December 1, 2020 and can be sent through this Google Form.
Student Panel
On Monday, December 7 from 6:30-7:30pm a student panel will be hosted via Zoom. This will be an opportunity for a panel of young adults to share their special education journey, as well as discuss their experiences as a whole person, not just as a student with a disability.
Special Olympics Virtual Assemblies & 49ers Workout
Once again, SFUSD is partnering with Special Olympics to celebrate Inclusive Schools Week. Special Olympics will be hosting virtual assemblies at Glen Park Elementary School (Tuesday, December 8), James Lick Middle School (Thursday, December 10) and Galileo High School (Wednesday, December 9). Additionally, Special Olympics will be collaborating with the 49ers to lead a virtual workout on Wednesday, December 9. More information on dates and times can be found on the SFUSD Special Olympics Page.