The Inclusion Institutes

The Inclusion Institutes are a consortium of research and service projects related to inclusive education affiliated with the School of Education of Syracuse University.  While all three of these projects have a distinct focus, they all are deeply rooted in inclusive philosophy and reflect efforts to provide greater access to schooling and communication for individuals with disabilities across the lifespan.  See below for a description of, and a link to, each project.

This year Syracuse University will be host to the 9th Annual Second City Conference on Disability Studies in Education: Righting Educational Wrongs: Disability Studies in Education, Policy, and Law. This jointly sponsored conference will explore the relationship between disability studies in education, policy and law. The conference is co-sponsored by Disability Studies in Education, the Syracuse University Center on Human Policy, Law, and Disability Studies, the SU College of Law Disability Law and Policy Program, and the SU School of Education. 

Disability Studies involves the critical examination of the role of "normalcy" in society. It requires us to recognize, appreciate, and most importantly, value difference. To the extent that legal education examines how to recognize, legitimate, and allocate differences--different rights, responsibilities, resources, and even justice within society, Disability Studies provides a lens through which we can analyze the meaning of such differences within our legal and educational systems, and in the larger society. Further, putting law and disability studies in education in conversation provides a rich context from which to question issues of power, privilege, and to consider how differences are defined within education and legal systems.

The Facilitated Communication Institute is committed to quality research, training, and dissemination of information and resources related to all aspects of facilitated communication. This involves research by faculty and staff of the FCI and consultation with other researchers and practioners nationwide. In addition, the institute provides introductory training, skills enhancement, and technical assistance for families and professionals interested in learning facilitated communication. Facilitated Communication is an alternative means of expression for people who cannot speak or whose speech is highly limited and who cannot point reliably.

Schools of Promise is a partnership between Syracuse University School of Education and local school districts. This partnership aims to improve elementary schools for all students, especially students who have traditionally not been successful in schools, including students with disabilities, students learning English, students of color, and students from low-income families.

The Taishoff Center for Inclusive Higher Education is a national center of excellence for providing leadership for inclusive education. Syracuse University's School of Education, in collaboration with the entire University community, has built on its experience in creating higher education opportunities for students with developmental disabilities. Core elements of the center include: demonstration, public education and advocacy, national conferences, technical assistance, research, and dissemination.

Partner institutes and centers include: Center on Human Policy Law and Disability Studies, Beyond Compliance Coordinating Committee, and OnCampus.