Collaborate with Families to Support Student Learning and Secure Needed Services

Increasing Community Inclusion for Students With Disabilities

“…During family assessments or person-centered planning meetings, special educators can ask families if they currently participate in or would like to participate in any community activities. This is also one way special educators can practice cultural responsiveness (Pearson et al, 2023). If students or families choose to participate, teachers can ask if they have experienced barriers and listen to what these barriers might be.…”

“…Whether scouting troops, sports leagues, or religious congregations, students with disabilities should be fully supported in any activity they desire to participate in. Community activities may be especially important to families of students with intense support needs from historically minoritized backgrounds, who may trust activity leaders more than formal institutional professionals due to historic mistreatment (see Pearson et al, 2023). In asking about community activities, special educators can inquire about family preferences as well to gauge student and family interest.…”