Zeph​ 2015 Pacific Rim Keynote: Inclusive Schools Can Serve as Foundation of Inclusive Communities

CCIDS founding director, Lu Zeph, recently delivered a keynote on inclusive education at the 31st Annual Pacific Rim International Conference on Disability and Diversity in Honolulu, HI. In her address, “Inclusive Education: A Critical Element In Creating And Sustaining Inclusive Communities,” Zeph notes, “Inclusive communities are those where diversity, participation, interdependence, mutual respect and social justice are woven into all aspects of community life. They are places where people care about one another, recognize each other’s gifts and abilities, and work together for the common good. Creating and sustaining inclusive communities does not happen by chance—but rather, by design. Inclusive schools can serve as a foundation and heart of inclusive communities. By presuming that each child is capable and competent, ensuring that each child experiences a sense of belonging, and that each child has the opportunity to discover, develop, and share personal gifts and abilities—we can design and sustain tomorrow’s inclusive communities.”

Pacific Rim International Conference on Disability and Diversity 2015