Catholic schools are better able to live out the mission of the Church when people of all abilities are present. Below is information which explains the Church's call to inclusion in Catholic schools, as well as helpful information to help make inclusion possible. You will also find information regarding professional development, funding models, and helpful teaching tools.
Featured Resources
Inclusive Lenten Activities: Prayer, Fasting and Almsgiving
Creative forms of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving that promote a culture of inclusion and belonging in parishes and dioceses.
NCEA Exceptional Learner Resources
The National Catholic Education Association has compiled various resources which can help to promote the meaningful participation of children with disabilities in Catholic schools. These resources include blogs, videos, lists of best practices, information about federal programs, and more!
We are Part of the Same Family: The Story of SPICE
...our ultimate concern was what kind of education Megan would be able to have and was there a possibility of a Catholic Education for her – as was so important for us with her 10 older siblings. We fretted over this for years – legal pads of our thoughts that if they said this, we would say this – finally we just handed it over to God and called St. Catharine for an appointment with Margaret Crabtree, the principal at the time. We were greeted with “We have been waiting for you”! How about that for a Catholic welcome!
Catholic Ed 4 All Podcast!
- Understand the calling by God to educate all of His children in Catholic schools. - Learn how to be more inclusive in Catholic schools. - Listen to stakeholders in the field of Catholic education talk about serving exceptional learners. - Meet the needs of exceptional learners in the classroom by using research-based strategies.
My Favorite Teacher
Learn more about the FIRE Foundation at Firefoundation.org!
One Body, One Spirit White Paper
"Despite the fact that private schools are not required to legally comply with the least restrictive environment mandates of the Individual with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEIA), there is evidence to show that Catholic schools are responding to the Church’s challenge to serve students with disabilities." - One Body, One Spirit
"Her reverence was evident": A child with Down syndrome participating in the sacraments
When I think back to my own First Reconciliation and First Communion, I don’t recall as much as I’d like. I remember Sister Ann, and her kindness and light, but my relationship with the Church and my faith was different than the relationship that I see growing in my girls.
Accessibility through Creativity
When you think of accessibility, do you first see dollar signs? Are ramps and elevators the fix-all solution to accessibility? NO!!! Accessibility is much more than ramps and elevators. Accessibility is a new way of thinking and sometimes involves little or no cost.
Teaching Tips for Students with Autism
A few strategies for teaching students with Autism Spectrum Disorder!
How to Help a Person Experiencing a Mental Illness
- Tips to help a person experiencing mental illness - Warning signs that may indicate mental illness
A good host is a good planner
When you plan your next gathering, follow this checklist to ensure all guests feel welcome and can participate.
My Mass Book Picture Missal
Print out this resource to create a book about each part of the Mass. A person can follow along with this book during Mass to help them meaningfully participate in the liturgy.
NCPD Board Statement on the Provision of Catechetical and Academic Instruction to Catholics with Disabilities, 2010
"Christ calls the Church to provide for the spiritual, intellectual, and emotional needs of all her people as they journey toward maturity in the faith. Catechetical and academic instruction are essential components of that journey. Catholics with disabilities are equally entitled with all the faithful to such instruction appropriate to their needs."- ‹ previous
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