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Volume 72 |
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Spring 2007 |
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Educating, Assisting, Supporting, and Informing through this newsletter... A newsletter for and by parents with sons & daughters with disabilities and education advocates. |
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Wichita Administrative Center 3033 W. 2nd Suite 106 Wichita, KS 67203 |
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(All toll free numbers for Kansas parents & education advocates) |
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For 25 years, Families Together, Inc. has been encouraging, educating and empowering Kansas families. Throughout this school year, staff in the Garden City, Topeka, Wichita and Kansas City centers, along with several of our families and community partners, has reflected on the many changes and advances in services for students with disabilities. Families Together’s core belief is that all individuals should be valued for their strengths as contributing members of Kansas communities. Throughout the school year we continue to spotlight successful inclusive practices during our conferences and workshops.
To kick off one of many celebrations focused on the progress Kansas has made during the past 25 years, Governor Kathleen Sebelius joined Families Together, Inc. and the Kansas State Department of Education in proclaiming December 4-8, 2006 Inclusive Schools Week. For the first time, Kansas officially joined the Annual National Inclusive Schools Week sponsored by the National Institute for Urban School Improvement. The 6th Annual National Inclusive Schools Week, highlighted and celebrated the progress our nation's schools have made in using inclusive practices to ensure a quality education for an increasingly diverse student population, including students with disabilities, those from low socio-economic backgrounds, and English language learners.
To continue the celebration, the Wichita Center hosted one of our two Annual Inclusion Conferences on December 9. Make Inclusion An Action Verb was the message conveyed at the Inclusion Conference, which was held in Wichita. Dr. Paula Kluth, an independent consultant specializing in inclusive schooling, jump started the amazing day with a vision of what inclusive schooling should look like. Dr. Kluth shared stories of inclusive schooling which went beyond “physical inclusion” and gave ALL students access to appropriately challenging academic curriculum.
The nearly 200 conference participants including parents, educators and others came from across the state to gain knowledge on topics ranging from assistive technology in the classroom, to building family, school and community partnerships for the good of all kids.
Afternoon sessions included a presentation on the Circle of Friends Program which models the importance of friendships for students with, and without disabilities. Mother and son team Tami and Skylar Schwindt shared their family’s journey around the “monopoly board” (special instructions included), as Skylar, a young man with cerebral palsy, inspired us all to experience life and all its possibilities.
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Conference Highlights Submitted by Lori Burnshire, Wichita Center and Leia Holley, Kansas City Center |