An estimated one of every five kids in the U.S. has some form of disability — physical, intellectual, emotional, or learning. 

The bad news:  While these young people represent a significant demographic, many are excluded from taking part in activities alongside their peers.  They may be segregated into “special” programs, or worse, unable to participate at all due to physical or attitudinal barriers. 

The good news:  A growing number of individuals and organizations have committed to become more inclusive…to ensure that ALL kids have the opportunity to be fully included in the mainstream of life.

And now, the IncludingAllKidsBlog…To spread the good news, and encourage others to join the inclusion movement, we are launching this blog.  It’s intended to serve as a forum to discuss the myths and realities of working with youth with disabilities, to exchange ideas on how to create more inclusive environments, and to hear from youth themselves on the impact of inclusion.  The blog will serve as an interactive complement to www.IncludingAllKids.org, an online resource for best practices on inclusion. 

The Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation (MEAF) is pleased to sponsor the IncludingAllKidsBlog, and we invite our nonprofit partners, disability advocates, young people of all ages and abilities, and the community at large to join this dialogue.  Please share your ideas, perspectives, challenges and cheers, so that the inclusion movement can continue to grow, and we can make progress on Including All Kids!