February is Inclusive Education Month
This year, along with people from across Canada, BCACL is celebrating February as Inclusive Education Month. Look out for great education resources that we will be posting here and on Facebook and Twitter throughout the month.
Some of the resources will be posted to our website but most will be posted to our Facebook and Twitter pages. Not on Facebook or Twitter? That's okay, just click on the links below and you can see our pages. Scroll down the page to learn how you can help celebrate inclusive education month.
National Inclusive Education Month offers an opportunity for people across the country to highlight the benefits of inclusive education and increase awareness of its many positive outcomes. BCACL invites families, self advocates and all our member associations to do whatever you can to raise the issue of inclusive education in your community.
We know inclusive education works! Children who learn together in school also learn to live well together as adults and are better able to create communities where "everyone belongs."
Teachers, parents and parent groups download the inclusive education week toolkit for ideas.
National Inclusive Education Awards
To highlight National Inclusive Education Month and to bring attention to the many positive examples of inclusive classrooms and schools across the country, the Canadian Association for Community Living (CACL) has created a national certificate of recognition to be bestowed upon recipients who have made positive contributions to inclusive education in their province or territory.
Nominations for the 2012 Inclusive Education Awards will go out in the middle of February. Check back soon to find out how you can nominate and extraordinary educator. See below for more information about the awards.
2011 Inclusive Education Award Winners:
Glenda Gaudette - for her instrumental role in fostering a culture of inclusion at Sardis Secondary School in Chilliwack. Read the press release here.
Carlie Graham - for her instrumental role in making Post-Secondary Education inclusive of people with developmental disabilities as Manager of the Music and Media Department at the University of Victoria McPherson Library. Read the press release here.
Shailoo Bedi - for her instrumental role in making Post-Secondary Education inclusive of people with developmental disabilities as Director of Access and Branch Servicesat the University of Victoria McPherson Library. Read the press release here.
Read the nomination form here (note: the nomination deadline was January 15, 2011)
2010 Inclusive Education Award Winners:
Brian Silzer - for his instrumental role in making post secondary education inclusive of people with developmental disabilities as Registrar at the University of British Columbia. Read the press release here.
Dr. Beth Sparks - for pioneering the use of technology to support inclusive learning environments at Cougar Canyon Elementary School in Delta, B.C. Read the press release here.
2009 Inclusive Education Award Winners:
- Early Childhood Education - Elaine Kopetski, Megan Kikert, and Echo Hawkridge of Quesnel and District Daycare. Read the news release here.
- Elementary School category - Elaine Fitzpatrick of Parkhill Elementary School in Dawson Creek. Read the news release here.
- Secondary School Category - Curtis Tuininga and Shannon Kumpolt of Centennial Christian School in Terrace. Read the news release here.
- Champion of Inclusive Education in BC - Barbara Laird, of Vancouver. Read the news release here.
Other Resources
Produced by the Canadian Association for Community Living (CACL):
Inclusive Education Week bookmark
A Parent's Guide to Inclusive Education
Produced by BCACL:
Everyone Belongs in Our Schools: Making the case for inclusive education in British Columbia
BCACL, 2002, 20 pp.
This booklet makes the case for inclusive education by shattering myths, presenting research findings on the positive impact of inclusive education, and telling the stories of five young people who, with the support of their teachers and families, are a testament to the value of inclusion. Includes references and ideas for how to support and advocate for inclusive schools. A useful information tool for teachers, school boards, families, advocates and community organizations. Available in print and online.
Everyone Belongs in Our Schools: A Parent's Handbook on Inclusive Education
BCACL, 2006, Edition 3, 3-hole punched for binder, 145 pp.
This new and improved handbook for parents of children and youth with special needs provides information about how the school system works, the roles of school personnel, the rights and responsibilities of parents, and tips on how to advocate effectively for your child"s education. Also useful for advocates, advisors, caregivers and planners. Available in print and online.