Callum Thomas’ Post

Inclusion is more than geography. Support, training, coaching and teamwork!

@MissDeptEd and @Region7CC are teaming up to support the use of High-Leverage Practices (HLPs) for students with disabilities. Educators are working to implement these evidence-based practices to support improved outcomes for students. Learn more here: https://rpb.li/4ZCiMn

No one has human rights until we all have human rights, equally. Since 2021 SCLD’s Human Rights and Learning Disability Lived Experience Board has been funded by the Scottish Government to help them involve the opinions, ideas, and experiences of people with learning disabilities in the new Human Rights Bill for Scotland. The Board’s 3rd and final report has now been published with the following key recommendations: 1. Fully incorporate UNCRPD into the Human Rights Bill. 2. Remove learning disability from the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003. 3. Support the creation of a justice system that ensures equal access to justice and right to remedy. 4. Support data collection and highlight the importance of human rights monitoring. 5. Use of positive language and definitions related to people with learning disabilities. Access the full report and easy read here: https://zurl.co/krnp @LindsayKinloch @LeeanneClark @AlexanderStark

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, or IDEA, applies to educational institutions that receive funding from federal sources, including most public schools. If you want to read more about it, here is the link to our blog about IEP and 504 Plan eligibility in Florida: https://lnkd.in/d9kZz4F2 As always, if you have any questions, give us a call!

On this day in 1975, Public Law 94-142 which served as the basis for the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA), was signed into law. IDEA has changed the lives of children with disabilities. 🤔 This law makes free appropriate public education available to eligible children with disabilities. 🎒 As of school year 2020-21, more than 7.5 million youth need special education services. 🚫 Without IDEA, there would be many children who would not receive the special education and related services that they need. 💪 The signing of this law means we are able to help provide the support and individualized services that children need to benefit from public education. To learn more about the history of IDEA, visit this link: https://lnkd.in/gcYnZzXq.

Successful transitions for students with disabilities continue to be a priority for policymakers and practitioners alike, but there is still much to do. Take a look at the different OSEP initiatives and resources available at this link: https://buff.ly/3sQxQ1m

Wondering how you can promote inclusion in your program? Does navigating policy seem daunting to you? Join this series to learn about the newly released Policy Statement on Inclusion of Children with Disabilities in Early Childhood Programs from the U.S. Department of Education and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. To register, visit bit.ly/fedguidance2024 In the first session (May 8th), we will provide an overview of the policy statement and state-level recommendations. In the second session (May 15th), we will dive deeper into the components of this policy statement, explore local recommendations and the ways in which this statement can be a resource, and reflect on how it can reaffirm your program and community’s commitment to inclusion.

Wondering how you can promote inclusion in your program? Does navigating policy seem daunting to you? Join this series to learn about the newly released Policy Statement on Inclusion of Children with Disabilities in Early Childhood Programs from the U.S. Department of Education and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. To register, visit bit.ly/fedguidance2024 In the first session (May 8th), we will provide an overview of the policy statement and state-level recommendations. In the second session (May 15th), we will dive deeper into the components of this policy statement, explore local recommendations and the ways in which this statement can be a resource, and reflect on how it can reaffirm your program and community’s commitment to inclusion.

New U.S. Department of Education guide presents facts about the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act’s assistive technology requirement, including common myths and misconceptions. Learn more: https://ow.ly/Aie250QFLIO

Today people with disabilities from all over Europe celebrate the European Independent Living Day. "It is a day of solidarity and an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of the Independent Living movement and all those who have fought and continue to fight for equality of disabled people in society." In my role of SEN/Support Teacher, I always keep in mind, that my main responsibility to the students I support, is to help them become more independent in their learning and subsequently- in their life. Below I've attached the article about how educators can support their students with disability to become more independent: https://lnkd.in/dm4BDmpV