October is Disability History and Awareness Month!
By Polly Myers
Online Learning Coordinator
October is an opportunity to celebrate the history, experiences, achievements, and contributions of people with disabilities while strengthening our commitment to creating inclusive, accessible schools and communities.
This year marks 51 years since the passage of landmark federal legislation that transformed educational opportunities for students with disabilities. In 1975, Congress passed the Education for All Handicapped Children Act (Public Law 94-142), establishing the right of children with disabilities to a free and appropriate public education. The law required individualized education programs (IEPs), parent participation, procedural protection, and education in the least restrictive environment appropriate for each student. Now known as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), this legislation fundamentally changed public education and continues to shape how schools support students with disabilities.
In Washington, RCW 28A.230.158 requires public schools to conduct or promote educational activities each October that build awareness and understanding of disability history and people with disabilities.
But disability awareness is about more than fulfilling a requirement. Integrating disability history and awareness in K-12 education creates a richer learning experience that reflects the diversity of the human experience. Susan Baglieri and Priya Lalvani emphasized in their book, Undoing Ableism: Teaching About Disability in the K-12 Classrooms (2019), learning about disability and ableism is important for all teachers and students.
Disability awareness provides opportunities for students to challenge stereotypes, appreciate human differences, develop empathy, and contribute to more inclusive school communities. When students learn about disability history and the experiences of people with disabilities, they gain a deeper understanding of the importance of accessibility, belonging, and equal opportunity. These conversations can also help schools address bias, reduce bullying, and build a culture of respect.
Resources for Teaching Disability History & Awareness
The following resources offer opportunities to incorporate disability history and awareness into K-12 classrooms:
- One Out of Five: Disability History and Pride Project – Washington State Governor’s Office of Education Ombuds
- Disability History Curriculum (K-12) – Emerging America
- Disability History Month Provides Opportunities for Reflection – PAVE (Partnerships for Action, Voices for Empowerment)
- National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled – Library of Congress
Everyday Ways to Support Disability Inclusion
Small, intentional actions can help create more accessible and welcoming work places and classrooms.
- Center disability voices. Learn from the experiences and perspectives of people with disabilities and be thoughtful about disability language.
- Provide information in multiple formats. Consider visual, written, and auditory options to support different learning and communication needs.
- Plan for accessibility. Apply Universal Design principles when planning meetings, events, and learning activities.
- Make accommodations accessible. Provide clear, welcoming ways for people to request accommodations.
- Create inclusive classrooms. Arrange spaces for easy movement, offer meaningful student choice, provide accessible instructional materials, and build a culture where every student experiences belonging.
Continue Learning with NWESD
NWESD offers several asynchronous professional learning opportunities to deepen understanding of disability history, awareness, accessibility, and inclusive educational practices.
- Book Study: Being Heuman – Explore Judith Heumann’s memoir, Being Heumann: An Unrepentant Memoir of a Disability Rights Activist (2020), and her influential role in the disability rights movement.
- Disability History and Awareness – Examine disability history and explore resources for building awareness and understanding in education settings.
- Film Study: Crip Camp – Explore the 2020 documentary Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution and history of disability rights advocacy.
- Film Study: Adapt – Learn about an adaptive physical education program that supports students as they prepare for and participate in Special Olympics events.
Additional Professional Learning Opportunities
- The Survival Guide for New Special Education Teachers – A book study offering practical strategies for collaborating with families and colleagues, navigating special education systems, and delivering effective individualized instruction.
- High-Leverage Practices for Students with Disabilities: – Explore 22 evidence-based instructional practices across collaboration, data-driven planning, instruction, and intensive intervention.
Learn more about the Special Program & Services program on our website.
Disability History and Awareness Month reminds us that inclusion is not simply about access. It is about ensuring every student is valued, supported, and has meaningful opportunities to participate, learn, and belong.
