Hohenstein celebrates new grant funding to support disability inclusive curriculum in schools
Rep. Joseph C. Hohenstein April 5, 2023 | 10:23 AM
HARRISBURG, April 4 – State Rep. Joe Hohestein, D-Phila., today applauded and celebrated the announcement by the PA Department of Education of its creation of a Disability Inclusive Curriculum Pilot Program to instruct K-12 students on political, economic and social contributions of people with disabilities. Under the program, schools can apply for up to $30,000 in grant funding to implement disability inclusive curriculum.
“I’ve been an advocate for disability inclusive curriculum since before getting elected,” Hohenstein said. “We have to be conscious of the contributions every individual is able to make to society. We see far too often these individuals overlooked or passed over. It’s time for schools to start educating our children about these important figures in society, their contributions, and to give those who are differently abled role models and examples of pathways to success. This creates an exciting and inviting learning environment for all of our children.”
The Disability Inclusive Curriculum Pilot Program, added to the Pennsylvania Public School Code last summer, is intended to promote topics and subject matter for instruction to all students and will help learners understand that disability is a natural part of the human condition, and emphasize the critical contributions of people with disabilities.
The program will impact the overall culture and environment of schools by reducing the stigma of disability and by including disability as a part of a school-wide strategic plan.
More information is available here.
For additional information, people may contact Hohenstein’s district office at 215-744-2600.
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