This website is for NYC students with and without disabilities who are interested in building inclusive school communities. The opportunities and resources below can support students with thinking and talking about inclusion, using inclusive practices and creating inclusive projects, deepening their understanding and commitment to inclusion, and connecting with other NYC students on this important topic.
Join our distribution list and receive emails about the opportunities below by emailing InclusionSummit@schools.nyc.gov.
Inclusive Schools Week
Inclusive Schools Week (ISW) is December 4-8, 2023! Schools should use this learning and celebration guide to teach lessons and facilitate activities, as well as create their own school-based experiences around inclusion.
ISW is a time to celebrate how students with disabilities are visible, equal, and valued in our school communities, and commit to growing inclusive practices.
In conjunction with National Inclusive Schools Week, the theme of ISW is “Draw Me In.” NYC public schools will join schools across the country in using this theme to celebrate ISW and grow inclusion efforts at their school.
Our social media accounts will be highlighting ISW. By completing this ISW form, schools will have the chance to either be highlighted on social media, partner with muralist Kyle Holbrook, or share their school’s inclusive work with leaders.
Here is an ISW flyer to share and post.
The learning and celebration guide is the primary resource for ISW and can be used as part of classroom lessons, clubs, assemblies, advisories, professional development, or any spaces working to progress the inclusion of students with disabilities. If you missed ISW, the guide can be used at any time.
Email InclusionSummit@schools.nyc.gov with questions or thoughts.
Inclusion Summit
The Inclusive Education Student Summit is an annual event that brings together students with and without disabilities to learn about inclusion and the importance of students with disabilities being a part of our school communities. Students participate in conversations and activities around accessibility, diversity, and inclusion and return to their schools as advocates.
The Summit is held in the winter and offers in-person and virtual participation. Themes and topics often align to National Inclusive Schools Week. The event is hosted by the DOE and Parents for Inclusive Education (PIE).
Email InclusionSummit@schools.nyc.gov for details and registration information.
Inclusion Expo
The Inclusive Education Student Expo is an annual event where students with and without disabilities can showcase their inclusive stories, ideas, and work. Past events have included an open mic, a project fair, and talking circles where students have the opportunity to share their reflections and experiences regarding inclusion.
The Expo is held in the spring and offers in-person and virtual participation. It often highlights work that started at the Inclusion Summit in the fall. The event is also hosted by the DOE and PIE.
Email InclusionSummit@schools.nyc.govfor details and registration information.
Inclusion Talking Circles
Inclusion Talking Circles are ongoing, virtual, and available upon request. Talking circles offer small spaces for students with and without disabilities to discuss the diversity, equity, and inclusion of people with disabilities in our schools and communities.
You can host your own talking circle at your school using these norms and prompts, or you can ask us to facilitate. Email InclusionSummit@schools.nyc.gov to coordinate. If you host your own, please let us know how it goes!
Disability Pride Visual Arts Contest
Students can submit visual art each spring to participate in the annual Disability Pride Visual Arts Contest(Open external link). The contest celebrates the challenges and achievements of people with disabilities in their struggle for equity and equal access, opportunity, and inclusion. People with disabilities are proud of their identity and their accomplishments that resulted in the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
The 10 finalists and one grand finalist will be invited to an event in the spring and have their artwork showcased. Recognizing that art is an invaluable means of expression and communication, teachers and families are encouraged to have meaningful conversations in their classrooms and homes around disability pride and history as they participate in the contest. Email CelebratingDisability@schools.nyc.govand see the website for more information.
Inclusion Advisory Committee
Students and staff with and without disabilities interested in inclusion, disability rights, leadership, and current events can join the Inclusion Advisory Committee (IAC).
The IAC discusses current issues around disability and inclusion in our schools and communities, helps to plan meaningful conversations and opportunities for other students, and acts as leaders and role models for inclusion. The IAC helps to guide the thinking and planning for the inclusion events listed above.
The IAC meets virtually a few times a year, usually before and after inclusion events. Email InclusionSummit@schools.nyc.govif you’re interested in joining.
Inclusion Resources
- Inclusive Schools Week Learning and Celebration Guide
- Student Panel: How I’m Making My School Community Inclusive and Why
- Understanding and Ending Ableism
- Inclusive Schools Week Activities
- The Power of Language for Disability and Inclusion
- Bystander Intervention for Inclusion
- Making Connections to Build Inclusive Communities
- The Time for Inclusion is Now
- Respect For All