Say “Yes!” to Kids with Disabilities

We have shared values and aspirations for all children. What are some of the ways for parents, teachers and community members to plan and carry out a welcoming, engaging, inclusive environment for children with disabilities? Say “Yes!” to Kids with Disabilities: Stories and Strategies for Including ALL Kids provides a guide.</P

Read this guide to find out more about the why and the how of creating a positive sense of belonging, building friendships, community, and empathy for others. That’s inclusion. Education equity is a child’s human right. Every learner matters equally.
Following the promise of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990, this guide was prepared by a collaboration of King County Best Starts for Kids Initiative, Public Health Seattle & King County, and Seattle Department of Parks and Recreation, along with a strong, dedicated group of parents, volunteers, and children with special needs. The Seattle Children’s PlayGarden was achieved through this collaboration so that child and family can truly enjoy going to the park. Fragrance garden activities heighten interactions with the senses, which nourish everyone. The PlayGarden and the guide offer ideas for creative experiences that are not only accessible, but are inclusive.

The authors bring a range of professional expertise to the guide. Elizabeth Bullard has an M.A. in Speech-Language Pathology from Indiana University. Hannah Gallagher completed a Teaching Residency program in Education for Environment and Community (EEC) from IslandWood and in 2016 received her Master in Education and a Nonprofit Management certificate from the University of Washington. Adana Protonentis studied Political Science and Organizational Leadership at Seattle University and has a background in civil litigation. She has a child with a disability and brings first–hand knowledge and parent advocacy to the program.

Sections of the guide say “Yes!” at parks, playgrounds, soccer, dance, zoos, museums, festivals, ball games, sporting events, to inclusion every day. Inclusion Every Day offers adaptions and considerations that align with core principles of Universal Design for Learning. UDL is an educational framework that shows the way to develop flexible learning environments that can accommodate individual learning differences. This guide addresses flexible means, methods, and materials giving all children equal opportunity to learn and to express themselves creatively. Adaptation and accommodation combine to meet the needs of each child. Say ‘Yes!’ to Kids with Disabilities helps to assure that everyone is served with these strategies. The focus is on the experience that leads to greater and more meaningful participation in community life.