Virginia Department of Education News Release
RICHMOND — Virginia schools are celebrating Disability History and Awareness Month with virtual events and activities promoting school cultures based on mutual respect, understanding and equitable opportunities for all students.
In 2009, the General Assembly approved House Joint Resolution 715 designating October as Disability History and Awareness Month in the commonwealth. The resolution was the result of an initiative led by a group of students with disabilities.
The Virginia Department of Education is encouraging school divisions and communities to celebrate the contributions and achievements of people with disabilities this month by participating in online events and activities.
“The message of Disability History Awareness Month is especially important this year as school divisions and VDOE work in partnership to ensure equitable opportunities and outcomes for all students in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic,” Superintendent of Public Instruction James Lane said.
The Inclusion Project — sponsored by VDOE and Virginia Commonwealth University’s Partnership for People with Disabilities — is hosting the following online events this month with two nationally recognized advocates for people with disabilities.
Registration for both events is free and open to the public.
The Inclusion Project provides small grants to support local student-led projects designed to expand inclusive practices. The project also provides a student-developed guide to planning an inclusion project to help students plan events to raise awareness of the importance of creating and maintaining inclusive schools.
In addition, VCU’s Center for Disability Leadership is highlighting Disability History Awareness Month with daily Facebook features on significant events and milestones in disability history.
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