October is Disability History and Awareness Month in Washington State. Per RCW 28A.230.158, school districts are required to provide educational activities that promote instruction, awareness, and understanding of disability history and the contributions of people with disabilities for all students - not just those receiving special education services.

To support this work, we're excited to share two new resources developed in partnership between Student Support and Teaching and Learning:

• Science Curriculum created by Carmen Kardokus, the district's Science Specialist, addressing topics of inclusion and accessibility through STEM and Science.
• Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Curriculum - developed by Lisa Declercque, one of our School Psychologists, designed to promote awareness, empathy, and inclusion.

This array of lessons are organized by grade span and are ready to be used and can be integrated in general education classroom instruction during this school year.
Engaging all students in learning about disability history, inclusion, and pride is an important part of our district's ongoing work around inclusionary practices. Your participation helps create learning environments where every student feels valued, seen, and supported.

For additional resources, please see OSPI's October Special Education Update or explore One Out of Five: Disability History & Pride Project, developed by the Washington State Office of the Education Ombuds in partnership with Rooted in Rights and local educators.
Thank you for your continued commitment to fostering inclusive classrooms and celebrating the diversity of all learners, even after Disability History and Awareness Month comes to an end.

Posted by wiharris On 31 October, 2025 at 8:26 AM