The S I L C has recently launched the 3rd edition of it’s k-12 curriculum for promoting inclusion and tolerance within the general student body for students with disabilities. The new edition is an online application that meets 5 0 8 requirements and also meets WCAG 2.0. “Now the online application is more stable and we are walking the talk about accessibility by offering the curriculum in a format that meets or exceeds current standard of web accessibility”, said former Executive Director Peter Kriff.
Include at (Include V T.org) is a curriculum that was developed by the S I L C with the help of teachers, family members, and individuals with disabilities. The purpose of the program is to bring disability pride to students with and without disabilities. Include materials are available free to interested schools. Schools and educators can use Include as a separate curriculum; but many choose specific lesson plans and materials that they incorporate into their anti-bias and diversity activities.
The curriculum was developed by the S I L C with the goal of inspiring students of all ages to promote the principles of equality, dignity and respect for all in their classrooms, homes and communities. Include materials might enhance equitable learning opportunities for all students.The Include Curriculum:
- Complies with Vermont Learning Standards;
- Includes ready to use lesson plans for elementary, middle and high school classes;
- Is easily integrated into different grade levels and subject areas;
- Provides additional resources and activities to enhance classroom experiences;
- Links disability awareness work to other diversity and anti-bias education;
- Encourages student, parent and community involvement in school-based disability awareness activities;
- Explores disability as a social experience similar to other multicultural, women’s rights, and civil rights movements in America.
“We regularly find that students want to talk about disability issues and (Include) creates a safe environment in which they can ask questions and get good answers. They also develop a clear sense of the civil rights movement for people with disabilities. We have seen real improvement and sensitivity in our students’ interactions with people with disabilities.”
~ Stuart Strothman, 6/7/8 Language Arts, Guilford Central School, Guilford.
This 2nd Edition (formerly entitled PRIDE) was principally authored by Deborah Lisi-Baker, a longtime advocate for disability rights and former Executive Director of the Vermont Center for Independent Living. Under direction from the S I L C education committee, Deborah and her team integrated over 180 pictures and illustrations into four distinct units of learning, each with applications and activities for all ages. The four Learning Units are entitled Identity and Belonging, Disability and Awareness, Civil Rights and Social Change and Exploring Disability Experience through Literature.