Click here to take a self-paced eLearning module on The Legal Basis for Inclusion from KIT's National Training Center on Inclusion
Click HereWhy Inclusion?
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 54 million Americans- one in five- have a disability. And through birth, accident, age or illness, nearly everyone will experience disability during their lifetime. In order to protect the rights of people with disabilities, Congress passed a law in 1990- the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
The ADA is most often associated with curb cuts and accessible bathrooms, but it also mandates that public programs be accessible. But inclusion is more than just laws. Laws cannot mandate attitudes or commitment. Inclusion is the ethical and moral thing to do.
Compared to youth without disabilities, twice as many young people with disabilities live in poverty and twice as many drop out of high school, with a significant number ending up in prison. These numbers are sobering, but should not be discouraging. Studies indicate that when youth with disabilities are given the opportunity to participate in community activities such statistical trends can be reversed.
Look beyond the letter of the law to the spirit of the law and work to ensure that all children and youth have opportunities to meaningfully participate in community programs.
Click here to see the legislative history of inclusion