Building an Accessible and Inclusive School Community
Presentation Focus (Educator Version)
Building an Accessible and Inclusive School Community offers educators steps to create a school community that is inclusive of students who have a disability. This entertaining and powerful presentation draws on John’s insights and personal experiences as a former student. Audiences are encouraged to move from vision to action by embracing the following:
- Recognizing that equality, inclusion and accessibility are essential for students who have a disability to experience full citizenship within a school community.
- Embracing the belief that all students belong and can learn in a community school.
- Keeping an open mind about a student’s ability and setting educational goals that motivate.
- Taking risks to try new learning approaches in order to achieve success.
- Using collaboration and teamwork to ensure that inclusive schools are created.
Target Audience
- Elementary and secondary school educators
- Professional teacher associations and school boards
- University students in the Faculty of Education
- Special education and resource consultants
- Community college students in Educational Assistant and related programs
Presentation Focus (Student Versions)
Building an Accessible and Inclusive School Community is also offered, in two separate versions, to high school students and to elementary school students. Each version employs age-appropriate language and content to offer students concrete steps and suggestions for making their school community more accessible to and inclusive of students who have a disability. Through humour, personal stories and audience participation, John inspires students to make a difference by taking action to
- Create a Sense of Community
- Promote an Understanding of Diversity and Disability
- Build an Inclusive School Community
- Achieve an Accessible School Community
Target Audience
- Elementary school students, Grades 4 to 8
- High school students, Grades 9 to 12
