Accomplishing Goals
A Better Way to Back to School Part 1: 5 Ways to Create an Inclusive Classroom
As we return to the classroom, we always want to believe that this year will be better than the last – and maybe the best ever! Our students are coming back to class thinking the same thing, that this will be their year. Those ambitions align under the umbrella of inclusion. When we build inclusive…
Read MoreFeeling Thankful
I’m in a grateful state-of-mind. My family celebrated Thanksgiving early so that we could see my mother-in-law before her assisted living facility closes up tight due to reimposed restrictions in California. She turned 97 last month. So, the chance to take her out of her facility and have a safe and physically-distanced Thanksgiving meal with…
Read MoreInclusion Advocacy Going Strong
Who could use a little good news? I know I could! To start, last week, we welcomed 4 new members to the KIT Board of Directors, which is great news! Our board members are effective champions for inclusion. Here are 2 timely examples: Inclusive Education News: Those of you who have been around a while…
Read MoreHelping Uganda Be More Inclusive
Here we go, right into our busiest training month. There will be a lot to share and celebrate in October. Hearing what our trainers and specialists are doing out in the field to create more inclusion always fuels my passion, and I hope it does yours too. This week my passion was fueled by learning…
Read MoreCelebrating Inclusion
Today I want to send out a big Happy Birthday to Gayle Slate. Gayle and her husband Don are the inspiration behind the founding of Kids Included Together, and their contribution has been immeasurable. Gayle built the mission of KIT on her personal experience as a mother of a child with a disability who felt…
Read MoreKIT-apalooza 2018!!
I think I speak for every Inclusionista when I say that that KIT-apalooza (a.k.a. KAP) is one of our favorite weeks of every year. It is one of two weeks a year when we all come together to connect, collaborate, and contribute to the future goals and plans of KIT. We spend time with our truly…
Read MoreInclusive Schools
Hello! I want to begin our brief time together today wishing a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Kids Included Together founder, Gayle Slate. What Gayle started KIT over 20 years ago at the Jewish Community Center with her husband Don, Mary Shea, and a handful of dedicated volunteers has turned into something that reaches all across the…
Read MoreProud to call this man a friend!
As professionals in the disability world, we often hear about the dismal situation for transition planning and services for adults with disabilities. Adults with disabilities have one of the highest unemployment rates of any group in the United States. In many cases, once individuals with disabilities age out of school, they spend more time alone…
Read MoreTim Harris: Congratulations!
Last weekend, my friend had another friend in town visiting from Albuquerque, New Mexico. I’ve never been to New Mexico; I don’t really know much about the state, in fact. I do know, however, about a very special place in Albuquerque– a restaurant called Tim’s Place. Tim’s Place is run by a man named Tim…
Read MoreEmpowering Through the Growth Mindset
Standardized tests can be really hard on kids’ self esteem. They send the message that a child’s worth is defined by a number. A few months ago, my school administered middle-of-year testing. Once the results came in, I had a conversation with one student about her performance so far during the year. She identified that her…
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