The
inclusion of people with disabilities in all aspects of life
seems at first like a fairly straightforward and unobjectionable
concept, yet it is one of America's biggest challenges and the
cause of considerable controversy. What is inclusion? How can
we make it happen for our children, ourselves, and our society?
How can we train and support the people who can play an instrumental
role in the process? These sites discuss these issues and more.
Information about inclusion can also be found in many related
sections of The DRM WebWatcher.
A resource
site to help students with disabilities gain access to math and
science education, this Georgia Tech website includes resources,
research, a listserv, and related material.
This website
provides information about The Center for Community Inclusion,
Maines University Center for Excellence in Developmental
Disabilities, Education, Research and Services. The Center is
"partnership of people which brings together the resources
of the community and the University to enhance the lives of individuals
with disabilities and their families throughout their lives.
We achieve our mission through interdisciplinary education, community
services, applied research and evaluation, and dissemination
of information ...."
Based at
the University of Vermont, "The Center on Disability and
Community Inclusion (CDCI), in collaboration with individuals
with disabilities, their families and communities, will promote
the independence, inclusion, participation, and personal choice
of individuals with disabilities of all ages in all environments
through the development and enhancement of culturally sensitive
and responsive services and supports, interdisciplinary training,
technical assistance, exemplary service models, research, dissemination
of information, and advocacy for the legal and civil rights of
individuals with disabilities." The website provides information
about the Center and its project, and related links.
"The
Center on Human Policy (CHP) is a Syracuse University based policy,
research, and advocacy organization involved in the national
movement to insure the rights of people with disabilities. Since
its founding, the Center has been involved in the study and promotion
of open settings (inclusive community opportunities) for people
with disabilities." The site includes information about
the center, publications, links, and related materials.
Published
at Wright State University, this is a peer-reviewed electronic
journal which deals with research concerning inclusive education
with scholarly contributions from faculty and graduate students.
This easy-to-read
introductory handbook from the U.S. Department of Education provides
information about all aspects of early childhood inclusion. Resources
are provided.
"This
web site [from the Renaissance Group at the University of Northern
Iowa] is designed for general education teachers, special education
teachers, parents, and school staff to help provide some answers
about how inclusive education can be accomplished. Resources
for making accommodations are included as well as links to other
web sites and resource lists for learning more about inclusive
education." Topics covered included philosophy, legal requirements,
teacher competencies, teaching strategies, decision-making, preparing
for inclusion, and related resources.
This website
provides information about IRI, a nonprofit organization whose
primary purpose "is to develop, research, and disseminate
educational, therapeutic, and technological innovations that
enable persons of all ages, including individuals with disabilities
or other disadvantages to be independent, productive and included
in schools, communities, and places of employment." The
page provides direct links to IRI projects, including the National
Parent Coalition, the National Campaign for Children's Oral Health,
AbleKids, Project Leadership, Self-directed Support Corporations,
Monday Morning in Washington, DC, and Disability Preparedness.
This site
was developed by the National Institute for Urban School Improvement
to celebrate National Inclusive Schools Week (Dec. 3-7, 2001).
The Celebration Kit, in particular, includes publications that
speak to the benefits of inclusive schools, suggested readings
for children and adults, a lengthy list of celebration ideas
and lesson plans, and promotional materials.
A three-year
project designed to disseminate validated practices which facilitate
the inclusion of students with severe disabilities in their neighborhood
schools and communities.
"The
Institute for Community Inclusion supports the rights of children
and adults with disabilities to participate in all aspects of
the community. As practitioners, researchers, and teachers, we
form partnerships with individuals, families and communities.
Together we advocate for personal choice, self-determination,
and social and economic justice." Its website includes information
about the Institute, access to some of its excellent publications,
and related information and links.
Though focusing
primarily on Pennsylvania resources, this easy-to-use inclusion
site includes useful information and and links to federal legislation,
assistive tech info, and more.
This News
Digest from the National Information Center for Children
and Youth with Disabilities provides a brief overview of inclusion
issues and an extensive list of resources .