Advancing Equitable, Inclusive Communities for All! Reflections & Lessons Learned from Lived Experience

Type:
  Video
Authors:
Sheraden Nicholau; Rebecca Corbett; Elizabeth Grigsby; Alex Madrid; and Emily Witkin
Developed by:
California State Council on Developmental Disabilities (SCDD) and Supporting Innovative Practices (SIP)
Series:
Inclusion Videos
Relevant categories:
Social Justice Special Education
This is a video.
Use the controls provided by the embedded content to watch the video.

Overview

Participants will hear from and engage with expert panelists with lived experience: California advocates and leaders with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. The session will begin with an overview of common challenges and experiences of students with disabilities, and why the important systems change we do matters. Then, expert panelists will share reflections, experiences, and lessons learned from their own lives -- from when they were students, and in their advocacy and leadership roles today. This session will include Q&A and audience engagement.

To get to the full SIP Collection, click here.

  Keywords: Advocacy, Disability, Education, Leadership

Attachments

  This resource has attachments. To view them, login or sign up.

Related items

Key Steps to Disrupt Ableism & Strengthen Belonging

Nicole Tucker-Smith offers concrete steps, considerations, and resources to cultivate learning environments that disrupt ableism and strengthen belonging so that every learner can thrive. To get to the full SIP Collection, click here.

 Video
  Added on 9/3/2025
Creating a Culture of Inclusion in Schools and Communities

Father-son filmmaking team Dan and Samuel Habib makes a powerful case for ending the systemic segregation of people with disabilities. The Habibs share how an inclusive education and social life has prepared Samuel, 25, for transition to higher education and employment, as well as the positive impact that inclusion has on students and adults without disabilities. The presentation will include clips from their films and time for Q&A. To get to the full SIP Collection, click here.

 Video
  Added on 9/3/2025
Beyond Labels, Toward Belonging: Transforming Education One Mindset at a Time

Join us for a powerful narrative of systemic change, where district leaders, school sites, SELPA, parents, and students unite to redefine inclusive education. Discover how our collaborative approach through Strategic Inclusion Planning (SIP) through Inclusion Academies has directly impacted student experiences. Hear firsthand accounts from a parent and student that illuminate the profound difference our collective efforts have made. This session goes beyond theory—it's a real-world blueprint for creating an educational environment where every student is seen, valued, and empowered to succeed, regardless of their ...

 Video
  Added on 9/3/2025
The Power of Peers: Supporting Relationships and Learning in Inclusive Classrooms

General education classrooms can offer an abundance of relationship and learning opportunities for students of all ages. What does it look like to support students with intellectual and developmental disabilities to access these important social and academic experiences? This session will focus on peer support arrangements as an effective and practical approach for supporting meaningful inclusion in academic and elective classrooms. Join us to learn about how schools can adopt these evidence-based approaches and the difference it makes. To get to the full SIP Collection, click ...

 Video
  Added on 9/3/2025
Empowering Every Voice: Leveraging Assistive Technology and AAC to Cultivate Inclusive Learning Environments

This session will explore how integrating Assistive Technology (AT) and Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) can create inclusive classrooms for all students. Attendees will gain practical tools and strategies to support students using AAC, promoting meaningful communication and full participation. We will highlight strategies and tools to boost engagement and reduce barriers in reading, writing, math, and executive functioning. Participants will leave with actionable techniques to incorporate AAC and AT into their teaching, ensuring equitable access to education and fostering an inclusive learning environment. This ...

 Video
  Added on 9/3/2025
Alternative Pathway to a High School Diploma

The implementation of the Alternative Pathway to a High School Diploma has provided so many students with an opportunity to obtain a high school diploma. We have created resources and guidance for our district outlining the requirements, the procedural steps within our system to ensure clear communication, and considerations for IEP teams to ensure pathways are clearly thought out. We have also created curriculum banks, provided AI resources to teachers, and leveraged our Inclusion Specialists at the high schools to support this work. This ...

 Video
  Added on 9/3/2025
Added on 9/3/2025   ·   Last updated on 9/3/2025