As we continue to celebrate October as Disability History Month …

October 27th, 2022 | Jana Parker – Pathfinder K-8 Special Education Parent Liaison

Hello Pathfinder Community!

As we continue to celebrate October, here are some announcements and information for you…


Save the date for the Pathfinder Disability Community Night

Please let us know if you would like a physical copy of the guide by emailing advocacy.seattle@gmail.com or the Seattle Special Education PTSA directly at guide@seattlespecialeducationptsa.org.  

During the event, we will find time to connect and chat, share resources and information. Bring your concerns, whether your child receives special education services through an IEP, has a 504 plan or has not yet been identified as a student with disabilities and you just have some concerns about their learning and educational needs.

To get your guide in your native language and the language of your students click on the appropriate language:

ENGLISH     ESPAÑOL / SPANISH   SOMALIYEED / SOMALI    TIẾNG VIỆT / VIETNAMESE 

简体中文 / SIMPLIFIED CHINESE    አማርኛ / AMHARIC   ትግርኛ / TIGRINYA   

AFAAN OROMOO / OROMO   TAGALOG / TAGALOG   عربى / ARABIC


Visit the Seattle Special Education PTSA Virtual Reading Rooms

Grow your awareness and understanding of Disability Culture

There are two Reading Rooms with books, videos, news, and activities for you to explore with your family and students whether you are a parent or teacher. One reading room is for young children and one is for teens and adults. Whether you are a family member, teacher, staff, or a student, you’ll find something of interest in them.


Did you know that in 2008, Washington state legislature passed a law declaring October as Disability History Month?

The law (RCW 28A.230.158) requires each public to provide instruction, raise awareness, and understanding of disability history and honor people with disabilities. The act includes the following statement:

The legislature finds that annually recognizing disability history throughout our entire public educational system, from kindergarten through grade twelve and at our colleges and universities, during the month of October will help to increase awareness and understanding of the contributions that people with disabilities in our state, nation, and the world have made to our society. The legislature further finds that recognizing disability history will increase respect and promote acceptance and inclusion of people with disabilities. The legislature further finds that recognizing disability history will inspire students with disabilities to feel a greater sense of pride, reduce harassment and bullying, and help keep students with disabilities in school.

RCW 28A.230.158

The Office of Educational Ombuds at the Washington Governor’s Office developed a curriculum in partnership with Rooted in Rights and two local educators to celebrate Octoberand to provide teachers with resources to celebrate October? The curriculum is called One Out of Five: Disability History and Pride Project, because one out of five people in the U.S. have a disability. In addition to the original materials designed for middle and high school students, it includes modifications for virtual instruction and elementary school classrooms. This curriculum can be used any time of the year not just in October! 

Please reach out if you or someone in the community needs support! advocacy.seatle@gmail.com

 

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