Plum School District will join a state program designed to teach students about the contributions of people with disabilities.
Plum is one of 10 institutions statewide — and the only public school district in Southwestern Pennsylvania — to take part in the Disability Inclusive Curriculum pilot program.
The program aims to increase the overall culture and environment of schools by reducing stigma and including disability education as part of a schoolwide strategic plan.
“Disability is part of the natural human condition,” said Denise Lohr, Plum’s director of special education and student services. “I think we’re seeing more needs in students, and this award will help us grow the inclusive culture here.
“When we look across our student body, we are all part of a whole and the larger school fabric, where everyone is included and accepted.”
Plum’s $30,000 state grant will cover the cost of implementing the curriculum over three years.
The state reports that 16% of Plum students require special education services.
“By integrating disability-focused lessons across subjects — from history to literature to science — we are helping Pennsylvania students gain a fuller understanding of the world and a deeper appreciation for all people within it,” Carrie Rowe, Pennsylvania’s secretary of education, said in a statement. “This initiative is a critical step in ensuring that every student, regardless of ability, feels represented, valued and empowered to achieve their fullest potential.”
Lohr said a group of stakeholders will meet to review funding and resources for the program. Funds could go toward texts or technology equipment that are improve accessible to students with disabilities.
“The need is always there,” Lohr said. “Growing support and growing acceptance helps us support all students.”
Lohr highlighted a co-teaching program with general and special education students, and the high school’s Unified Sports program, as the district’s recent inclusivity efforts.
In January, Special Olympics honored Plum for its Unified Sports teams, programs that integrate students with and without disabilities to compete in bocce and track and field.
Lohr said she hopes to see students with disabilities continue to participate in extracurriculars and take leadership roles among their peers.
“Plum has a longstanding commitment to inclusion and belonging, and we have an inclusive school culture,” Lohr said. “We were very strongly positioned to lead in this space.”