Inclusion means that every person, of every ability, should have the opportunity to fully engage, contribute and participate in their community. How does this happen? This happens when the whole community gets involved! That’s why for the second year we’re calling on classrooms, workplaces and the community as a whole to celebrate Inclusion Day as a part DD Awareness Month on March 16th. That means wearing orange on March 16th and using the hashtag #includeME to spread inclusion pride throughout the community.
But that’s only the beginning! We’ve also put together this guide with resources, tips, ideas, activities and events as a blueprint for your journey to inclusion. Take what you learn and make it your own!
Get Started
5 Ways to Celebrate Inclusion Day
Summit DD’s DD Awareness Month
Get Informed
What is a developmental disability?
Why everyone benefits from inclusion
EMPOWER: Summit DD’s vision of inclusion
Get the Resources
Books, apps, websites and social media offer all kinds of awesome ways to spread inclusion in your classroom, workplace or neighborhood. Explore the lists below and find new ways to get involved.
Books
Or check out this list of the best books to teach inclusion or this collection of books about acceptance
Apps
Assistive Technology Apps: A Guide to Educational Apps for Students with Special Needs
List of Top Mobile Apps for Children with Special Needs
Sit With Us (App designed by student to promote inclusion at lunch time!)
Videos/Websites
Summit DD: My Story Youtube Stories
Inclusive Schools Network (tips to turn your school inclusive)
National Center for Learning Disabilities
Ollibean (learn to create and advocate for inclusion)
Most Powerful TED Talks on Disability
Do2learn (teacher toolbox for inclusion)
Social Media
The Autism Society of Greater Akron
The Arc of Ohio – Summit and Portage Counties
Social Media Ideas
Use your own voice to make a difference with some social media prompts to inspire your friends!
- We support inclusion! Wear orange March 16th for Inclusion Pride Day with Summit DD. #includeME
- Our community is stronger when everyone is included! We are celebrating Inclusion Pride Day with Summit DD on March 16! #includeME
- Are you wearing orange today? We are! Celebrate inclusion with us and Summit DD! #includeME
Be sure to download our Inclusion Profile Picture to deck out your page in inclusive orange! (Available under downloadables)
Get Involved
Activities
Read a book about disabilities to your classroom/group
Hang a poster with the Summit DD logo in your window to express your support of Inclusion Pride Day
Share lunch time with someone with a disability
Create a Polaroid-style photo frame and use orange props, like mustaches, sunglasses, and thought bubbles, to show your support for Inclusion Pride Day #IncludeME
Tag three friends on Facebook or Twitter and challenge them share a reason why inclusion is important
Spread orange throughout your school: paint your hand orange, and make your mark on someone else’s hand and have them pass it on! See how many students in your school have orange hands at the end of the day
Events
- March 7: Advocacy Day
- March 9: Movie Night
- March 16: Inclusion Day
- March 16: Play For All
- March 30: Appreciation Breakfast and Awards Celebration
- See our online event calendar for these and more
Downloadables
5 Way to Make Your Classroom Inclusive
5 Ways to Celebrate Inclusion Day
Inclusion Pride Day Orange Sign
Inclusion Pride Day White Sign
Inclusion Pride Day Printable Orange Stickers
