# data[].attributes.body
This TED Talk is given by Temple Grandin, an individual diagnosed with autism. In this speech, Temple explains the mind of someone with autism and how society should learn to appreciate and celebrate our differences.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Temple Grandin: The world needs all kinds of minds

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Temple Grandin, diagnosed with autism as a child, talks about how her mind works -- sharing her ability to "think in pictures," which helps her solve problems that neurotypical brains might miss. She makes the case that the world needs people on the autism spectrum: visual thinkers, pattern thinkers, verbal thinkers, and all kinds of smart geeky kids.

# data[].attributes.body
This website is a perfect resource for teachers and families that are looking for the basic facts of special education. This resource provides a general understanding of what special education looks like in most schools.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Stay informed.

Sign up for weekly emails with helpful resources for you and your family.

By signing up, you acknowledge that you reside in the United States and are at least 13 years old, and agree that you've read the Terms and Conditions. Understood.org does not market to or offer services to individuals in the European Union.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Sign up for weekly emails with helpful resources for you and your family. By signing up, you acknowledge that you reside in the United States and are at least 13 years old, and agree that you've read the Terms and Conditions. Understood.org does not market to or offer services to individuals in the European Union.

# data[].attributes.body
The Inclusive Schools network discusses the benefits of using the inclusion model in the classroom. It provides excellent resources and information about how to effectively implement appropriate inclusion within your school.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The journey to becoming an Inclusive School may be long and challenging at times, but ultimately this journey can strengthen a school community and benefitALL children. "Inclusion" does not simply mean the placement of students with disabilities in general education classes. This process must incorporate fundamental change in the way a school community supports and addresses the individual needs of each child. As such, effective models of inclusive education not only benefit students with disabilities, but also create an environment in which every student, including those who do not have disabilities, has the opportunity to flourish. Here are some ways in which inclusive educational practices build a school's capacity to educate all learners effectively.

Differentiated instruction increases student engagement.

One of the most important principles of inclusive education is that no two learners are alike, and so inclusive schools place great importance on creating opportunities for students to learn and be assessed in a variety of ways. Teachers in inclusive schools therefore must consider a wide range of learning modalities (visual, auditory, kinesthetic, etc.) in designing instruction. Certainly this enhances the way in which educators provide supports and accommodations for students with disabilities, but it also diversifies the educational experience of all students.

Academic supports help each student access the full curriculum.

In this age of accountability and high-stakes testing, it is important for educators to ensure that every student is addressing the appropriate standards and objectives across the curriculum. As such, inclusive schools provide academic supports (flexible pacing and grouping, reading and literacy specialists, tutoring, etc.) that create a supportive environment for all learners. It is immediately clear how these supports help students with disabilities and English Language Learners, but inclusive schools can also better challenge and engage gifted and talented learners by building a more responsive learning environment.

Behavioral supports help maintain a positive learning environment for everyone.

Another important factor in effective inclusive education is the implementation of consistent behavioral supports throughout the learning environment. This consistency is essential for the success of students with emotional or behavioral disabilities in the general education environment, but school-wide behavioral supports also help to establish high expectations throughout the school community as a whole.

Respect for diversity creates a welcoming environment for all.

Inclusive education for students with disabilities can only be successful when those students feel that they are truly a part of the school community. This requires open and honest discussion about difference, and an institutional respect for people of all backgrounds and abilities. In inclusive schools, the establishment of such a climate benefits everyone by fostering an environment where students and their families are valued for who they are.

Inclusive practices make effective use of a school's resources.

In the past, special education often involved the segregation of students with disabilities for the purpose of specialized instruction. Not only does that model of special education in a separate setting deprive students with disabilities of interaction with their peers and full access to the curriculum, it can also involve duplicate systems and resources that are costly for schools to maintain. Inclusive education can make more efficient use of a school's resources by maximizing the availability of staff and materials for all students.=

To read more about benefits of inclusive education for all students, check out Improving Education: The Promise of Inclusive Education. This paper is an excellent resource for educators looking to improve and expand inclusive educational practices in their schools. It was developed by the National Institute for Urban School Improvement, a project funded by the United States Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP), and it includes examples of inclusive educational environments, assessment and observation tools, and guidelines for supporting inclusive practices.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Together We Learn Better: Inclusive Schools Benefit All Children

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The journey to becoming an Inclusive School may be long and challenging at times, but ultimately this journey can strengthen a school community and benefitALL children. "Inclusion" does not simply mean the placement of students with disabilities in general education classes.

# data[].attributes.body
The Wright's Law website provides a quick and easy way to navigate all of the special education laws for both educators and families. This helps all individuals involved understand their rights and what is legally required by the state.

# data[].attributes.body
If you click on the image below, you will be able to see a chart that shows the disability rates for ages 3-21 from 2014-2015.

# data[].attributes.headline
Learning Disabilities Association of America

# data[].attributes.subject
Learning Disabilities Association of America

# data[].attributes.body
The Learning Disabilities Association of America is a wonderful resource for teachers and families to use when seeking more information on how to support children with learning disabilities.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Since almost five percent of all students in our nation's public schools are classified as having specific learning disabilities (SLD), every teacher can expect to find students with learning disabilities in the classroom. Success for these students requires a focus on individual achievement, individual progress, and individual learning. Despite obstacles, recent research tells us that we can teach these students how to learn. We can put them into a position to compete!

Specific strategies apply to specific learning disabilities and many are outlined here. You will also find tips for working with children who have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

If you suspect a student in your classroom has a learning disability it is important to know how to accommodate their needs and differentiate instruction. It can be a daunting and complicated task. But don't despair. LDA is here to help you understand learning disabilities and lead you and your student to the right support systems.
Learn more about LD

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Since almost five percent of all students in our nation's public schools are classified as having specific learning disabilities (SLD), every teacher can expect to find students with learning disabilities in the classroom. Success for these students requires a focus on individual achievement, individual progress, and individual learning.

# data[].attributes.body
Glenda's Assistive Technology is a resource for parents and teachers that focuses on providing information on the most valuable assistive technology for students with disabilities.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Assistive technology is any kind of technology and/or tool that can be used to enhance the functional independence of a person with a disability. Often, for people with disabilities, accomplishing daily tasks such as communicating with others, going to school or work, or participating in activities can be a challenge. Assistive Technology (AT) devices are tools to help overcome those challenges and enable people living with disabilities to enhance and have access to a quality of life, that may otherwise not be known, and lead more independent lives.

The mission of this blog is to serve as a voice of a constant researcher in the field of educational and assistive technologies so that the best products, strategies and services may be located easily, in hopes that they will then be delivered, taught and used to better the lives of people with disabilities.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Assistive technology is any kind of technology and/or tool that can be used to enhance the functional independence of a person with a disability. Often, for people with disabilities, accomplishing daily tasks such as communicating with others, going to school or work, or participating in activities can be a challenge.

# data[].attributes.headline
Getting Our Kids Involved in the Community 

# data[].attributes.subject
Getting Our Kids Involved in the Community 

# data[].attributes.body
The Special Olympics is an organization that provides opportunities for individuals with disabilities to participate in organized sports within their community.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
In every corner of the earth, Special Olympics is changing the lives of people with intellectual disabilities. These stories come from all around the world

50 Game Changers ESPN and Special Olympics have teamed up on a year-long storytelling initiative telling the stories of game changers and game changing moments toward inclusion. Check back each week for a new story of inclusion.

Stories of Inclusion Special Olympics and over 5 Million of our athletes are leading the charge for full inclusion of people with Intellectual Disabilities (ID). The movement is rooted in the spirit of our founder, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, who took a rebellious stand against the injustices faced by people with Intellectual Disabilities in 1968. Today, the fight for inclusion is more relevant than ever. People of all ages, races, genders, cultures, backgrounds, and abilities continue to face discrimination, ignorance, and disparagement. Just as Eunice Kennedy Shriver did 50 years ago, Special Olympics is setting a stake in the ground to create change and, this time, our athletes are leading the way.

Stay In Touch

See inspiring stories, photos and videos in our Special Olympics monthly newsletter.

Make a Difference

Please donate and help us get one more athlete onto the playing field.

About Us

Through the power of sports, people with intellectual disabilities discover new strengths and abilities, skills and success. Our athletes inspire people in their communities and elsewhere to open their hearts to a wider world of human talents and potential.

The mission of Special Olympics is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.

From a backyard summer camp for people with intellectual disabilities to a global movement, Special Olympics has been changing lives and attitudes since 1968.

Eunice Kennedy Shriver Eunice Kennedy Shriver, founder of Special Olympics, was a pioneer in the worldwide struggle for rights and acceptance for people with intellectual disabilities.

Leadership Teams Special Olympics is led by a senior management team with broad corporate and nonprofit experience. Seven regional offices around the world are headed up by managing directors who support the ongoing growth and development of programs in their regions. In addition, Special Olympics has a Global Athlete Leadership Council which features an Athlete Leader from each of the seven regions and provides feedback, guidance, and ideas to the Special Olympics International Board of Directors and Leadership Team.

About Intellectual Disabilities Children and adults with intellectual disabilities inspire us every day at Special Olympics events around the world. But what are intellectual disabilities?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The mission of Special Olympics is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.

# data[].attributes.body
Rita Pierson was a powerful voice in the field of education. Having previous experience in elementary, middle, and special education, Rita had a deep understanding of how to reach her students. She conducted many professional developments across the country discussing the importance of student engagement and developing a positive rapport with your students. This TED Talk was one of her most memorable public appearances.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Rita Pierson, a teacher for 40 years, once heard a colleague say, “They don’t pay me to like the kids.” Her response: “Kids don’t learn from people they don’t like.’” A rousing call to educators to believe in their students and actually connect with them on a real, human, personal level.

# data[].attributes.body
The Watson Institute in Pittsburgh, PA is an educational organization that is made up of special education schools, institutes, and resources for children with special needs and their families. Below is a link to some valuable special education resources provided by Watson.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Special Education Resources is a Watson Institute 'catalog' of information that provides instruction, teaching and classroom strategies, helpful tips, speech and language lessons, downloadable training manuals, useful downloadable PowerPoint documentation, and additional guidelines - for those professionals and educators in special education classrooms teaching students with autism spectrum disorder and/or other special needs. In addition, as a part of the Watson Special Education Resources, we provide customizable social story templates for both educators and families to use to help prepare children for specific situations.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Special Education Resources & Instruction - Watson Institute

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Special Education Resources provide instruction, helpful tips, training manuals and forms for those in special education classrooms.

# data[].attributes.headline
PA Department of Special Education Resources

# data[].attributes.subject
PA Department of Special Education Resources

# data[].attributes.body
The PA Department of Education has provided this website for more information regarding special education. Important laws, forms, and events are all posted on the PDE's special education website, which is linked below.