Beyond the Classroom: From Access to Belonging - Creating Inclusive Opportunities for Students to Play, Perform, Lead, Compete, and Shine
(Room Providence)
12 Nov 26
1:15 PM
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2:15 PM
Tracks:
Advancing Equity: Practices for All Learners
True inclusion extends far beyond the classroom. Students with disabilities deserve access not only to academics, but also to the experiences that build friendships, confidence, school spirit, leadership, and a genuine sense of belonging. In this session, participants will explore how one school district intentionally expanded inclusive opportunities through athletics, cheerleading, theater, pageantry, and other extracurricular experiences. Presenters will highlight programs including the Houston County SHARKS adapted sports program, Impact Cheerleaders, The Butterfly Project inclusive theater program, and Miss Houston County Sweetheart inclusive pageant. Participants will learn practical strategies for identifying opportunities, building partnerships, engaging peers and community members, overcoming barriers, and developing sustainable programs that can be adapted in districts of any size. Attendees will leave inspired and equipped to move their systems beyond providing access toward creating school communities where every student has opportunities to play, perform, lead, compete, shine—and truly belong.