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!