
Special Olympics Maryland is committed to the growth and development of interactive inclusive school programming throughout the state. ALL students should feel like there is a place for them within their own learning environment. Unified Champion Schools help to provide opportunities for students of all ages and abilities to experience inclusion at their own school through programs such as Unified Sports/Activities, Inclusive Youth Leadership, and Whole School Engagement. Let us help you create a school environment where opportunity is not limited by disability.
Inclusive Schools Week
Join in the state-wide celebration on Be sure to wear your school colors!
Inclusive Schools Week is an annual event sponsored by the Inclusive Schools Network, a partner of Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools. ISW was created to commemorate the progress that schools have made in providing quality education to diverse learners, primarily those with disabilities. Inclusive Schools Week also provides an important opportunity for educators, students, and parents to discuss what else needs to be done to ensure that their schools continue to improve their ability to successfully educate all children.
This year, Inclusive Schools Week is celebrated from December 7-11. Special Olympics Maryland Unified Champion Schools is celebrating on Thursday, December 10. Of course, schools can choose to celebrate anytime around those dates, or even at other points in the year. After all, the time for inclusion is always NOW, meaning year-round!
Special Olympics Maryland Unified Champion Schools seeks to create and sustain school climates where students of all abilities feel valued and included in their school communities. Our partner, the Inclusive Schools Network, provides year-round opportunities for families, students, and educators to meet others on the same journey of building and sustaining inclusive schools and communities. All people everywhere can join the celebration of inclusive schools!
An inclusive school climate that fosters respect for all can influence how students think and act not only within but beyond the school. Inclusive Schools Week allows us all to take a moment to applaud the progress we’ve made toward building more inclusive school communities while pledging to continue our work toward becoming a more inclusive society.
Make inclusive schools go viral! Let’s prove that the craziness of 2020 has not slowed down our commitment to making sure all students are valued and included equally!
What is an inclusive school? ... one where students of all abilities are routinely engaged and valued members of their school communities.
The time for inclusion is NOW! As this year has progressed, we have an unusual vantage point for understanding an even broader meaning of inclusion. Across the world, we are experiencing a new form of isolation that is required in response to the coronavirus pandemic. But in the not too distant future, we will be able to celebrate our resilience in the face of difficulty and experience the joys of being included in a community that learns, plays, and works together. Inclusive Schools Network
This toolkit is a brief, one-stop-shop for anyone celebrating the benefits of an inclusive learning environment. Whether you’re a student, parent, teacher, administrator, or any other champion of inclusion -- read on! Questions? Want to know more? Contact us: UCS@somd.org
Commit to promoting inclusive schools all year long by taking the Inclusive Schools Pledge!
Inclusive Schools Pledge
Notice and embrace your peers' abilities – give someone a heartfelt compliment. Have a welcoming presence – an approachable smile can make someone feel welcomed and supported. Be a friendly person who talks to everyone, especially those who are new or alone - a simple"hello" is important. Be a leader! Stand up a set up a good example even if it's difficult!