• Use people-first language – it is the simplest and easiest way to include all students.
• Integrate lessons on disability awareness into your current curriculum.
• Add a project/research paper into your middle or high school curriculum.
• Invite guest speakers into your classroom.
• Hold a school-wide assembly to promote awareness and recognition of the disability rights movement.
• Hold a virtual meeting in your classroom with students in another state to discuss the culture and climate for inclusive practices.
• Endorse a school-wide fundraiser and celebrate with an activity that supports inclusive practices or donate the proceeds to a non-profit group that provides support to people with disabilities.

Disability History (dol.gov)

Disibility History: An Important Part of America’s Heritage (PDF) was published in January 2009 by the Office of Disability Employment Policy and the U.S. Department of Labor. It describes how West Virginia students were instrumental in the passage of an act establishing the third week of October as West Virginia Disability History Week (W. Va. Code §18-10O-5). It also features resources for educators and others to enhance awareness and understanding of disability history and the contributions of people with disabilities.

West Virginia Statewide Independent Living Council (wvsilc.org)

West Virginia Statewide Independent Living Council sponsors the annual Disability History Essay Contest in partnership with the West Virginia State Rehabilitation Council and the West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services. This essay contest is open to all West Virginia high school seniors and coincides with West Virginia Disability History Week. For more information and essay requirements, please visit the council’s website.

West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services (wvdrs.org)

The West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) supports youth and adults with disabilities (ages 14 and up) on their path to work and live independently.

DRS provides vocational services to help individuals with disabilities prepare for, obtain, retain, or advance in employment. Vocational rehabilitation counselors help job seekers assess interests and abilities, explore career options, and develop plans to reach their unique employment goals.

West Virginia Developmental Disability Council (ddc.wv.gov)

The West Virginia Developmental Disability Council’s mission is to assure that West Virginia citizens with developmental disabilities receive the services, support, and assistance they need to exercise self-determination and achieve independence, productivity, integration, and inclusion in the community.

West Virginia State Americans with Disabilities Office (administration.wv.gov/oeo)

The West Virginia State Americans with Disabilitites Office provides expert knowledge to various stakeholders, including state agencies, on state and federal laws governing equal employment rights. The goal is to also have an in-depth working knowledge of the challenges facing West Virginian minorities and those living with disabilities.

West Virginia University – Center for Excellence in Disabilities (cedwvu.org)

The vision of the West Virginia University Center for Excellence in Disabilities is to be recognized and trusted as a partner providing knowledge, resources, and innovative leadership within a statewide network of professional and community partners. The mission of the West Virginia University Center for Excellence in Disabilities is to improve the lives of West Virginians with disabilities by supporting more diverse, inclusive communities.

West Virginia State University – Disability and Accessibility Resources

Disability and Accessibility Resources is an administrative unit within the Division of Academic Affairs at West Virginia State University (WVSU). This unit provides equal access to a college education and university life for students with disabilities. WVSU is committed to ensuring qualified students accomplish their educational goals as well as assuring equal opportunity to derive all the benefits of campus life.3

College for West Virginia (cfwv.com)

The College for West Virginia website is managed by the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission and provides resources for students with disabilities interested in attending college.

Disability History: The Disability Rights Movement (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)

Sponsored by the National Park Service, the article Disability History: The Disability Rights Movement provides resources related to the disability rights movement.

National Disability Employment Awareness Month – October – National Today

October is National Disability Employment Month. Throughout this month, the general public is educated on the issues that workers with disabilities face and how employers can be more inclusive in their hiring practices. The National Disability Awareness Month page on nationaltoday.com provides information and resources on the history of the disability rights movement including a timeline, FAQs, and the importance of educating the public on the struggles of persons with a disabilities.

Disability History and Awareness Weeks (paec.org)

This PAEC.org Disability History and Awareness Weeks page provides resources and information related to legislation section 1003.4205 in Florida Statutes. The law encourages schools to provide information about disability history and promote awareness of the contributions of individuals with disabilities.

Celebrate Disability History and Awareness Week – UCP of Central Florida (ucpcfl.org)

The Florida Department of Education asks all public schools to thoughtfully consider how they observe Disability History and Awareness Weeks. Signed into law in 2008, Section 1003.4205, Florida Statutes, entitled Disability History and Awareness Instruction, provides an opportunity for school districts to designate the first two weeks of October as Disability History and Awareness Weeks and promotes expanding student knowledge, understanding, and awareness of the contributions of individuals with disabilities, disability history, and the disability rights movement to the state of Florida.

Youth Organizing! Disabled and Proud (yodisabledproud.org)

Youth Organizing (YO!) connects, organizes, and educates youth with disabilities. YO! gives youth leadership opportunities, social networks, resources and more. The website is co-sponsored by the California Foundation for Independent Living Centers.

WV State Code §18-10O-5: Disability History Week designated

(a.) The third week of October is annually designated as Disability History Week for the State of West Virginia.

(b.) In recognition of and to further the purposes of Disability History Week, each public school shall provide instruction on disability history, people with disabilities and the disability rights movement. The instruction shall be integrated into the existing school curriculum in a manner such as, but not limited to, supplementing existing lesson plans, holding school assemblies or providing other school activities. The instruction may be delivered by school personnel or by guest speakers.

(c.) State institutions of higher education are encouraged to conduct and promote activities that provide education, awareness and understanding of disability history, people with disabilities and the disability rights movement.

(d.) The Legislature is encouraged to annually recognize Disability History Week by introducing a concurrent resolution to:

1. Recognize youth leaders in the disability rights movement;

2. Reaffirm a commitment to the full inclusion of people with disabilities in society; and

3. Recognize the disability rights movement as an important part of the history of this state and nation.

(e.) Recognized resources for information, materials and speakers regarding disability history, people with disabilities and the disability rights movement include, but are not limited to:

1. Centers for Independent Living;

2. The Statewide Independent Living Council;

3. The Developmental Disabilities Council; and

4. The State Americans with Disabilities Act Coordinator.

(f.) The provisions of this article are not intended to create a burden, financial or otherwise, for public schools, teachers or state institutions of higher education.