The Inclusion Institutes

The Inclusion Institutes are a consortium of research and service projects related to inclusive education affiliated with the School of Education. 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.

The Facilitated Communication Institute

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

Schools of Promise is a partnership between 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

The Taishoff Center for Inclusive Higher Education is a national center of excellence for providing leadership for inclusive education. 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.

Announcing the Annual Summer Leadership Institute: Equity Inclusion & Excellence

In the tradition of the School of Education, this summer leadership institute promises to provide opportunities for practicing administrators and other school leaders to examine and gain the knowledge and skills necessary to create equitable, inclusive, and excellent schools. This institute will be most beneficial for principals, special education directors, curriculum directors, superintendents, assistant superintendents, aspiring teacher leaders, and educational leadership students. The School of Education urges leadership/administrative teams from schools and districts to take part together.