This paper presents arguments and evidence from research and practice in support of a series of statements concerning inclusion of students with disabilities as a force for school renewal and the building of the school community. The statements are: (1) inclusion heightens awareness of the school as community; (2) inclusion is a cultural force for…

This paper offers a perspective on people learning to build community, across the imposed social barriers that separate people with substantial disabilities from other people. The paper presents the story of a woman who was able to move from an institutional setting to her own home because of the community-building carried out by her support…

This paper describes the Pathfinders program in New York (New York), which works to facilitate the full integration of adults with developmental disabilities into workplaces and neighborhoods. The paper is organized around the question of whether students graduating from special education can find paid and volunteer work in community settings,…

This paper summarizes issues concerning supported employment for individuals with severe disabilities, based on discussions with seven groups concerned with improving the quality of supported employment. The paper outlines three strategic challenges facing supported employment: providing access to individual jobs for an increasing number of…

This report examines organizational aspects of agencies working to support people with developmental disabilities in supported living arrangements that provide individualized help to enable individuals to live in homes of their choice. The report is based on meetings and interviews with agency directors and staff throughout the country. Part I…

This paper proposes that those who make policy for individuals with severe disabilities ought to evaluate current actions and frame proposed changes according to whether these changes protect or increase citizens' opportunities to build inclusive community by establishing suitable position and priority for adequate government investment. Such…

This manual outlines a process for building the good working relationships needed to develop inclusive school environments. It outlines five steps involved in achieving inclusion of children with special needs in ordinary classrooms: (1) clarify the family's intention to include their child in the neighborhood school and get to know the child's…