It’s More Than “Just Being In”: : Creating Authentic Inclusion for Students with Complex Support Needs

by Cheryl M. Jorgensen, Paula Kluth (Foreword), Dan Habib (Foreword)

For students with disabilities, including those with complex support needs, inclusion means more than just physical presence in a classroom—it means valued membership and full participation in a general education classroom and the school community. This book is your school team's practical blueprint for making authentic inclusion happen in K–12 classrooms.

Taking the stress and uncertainty out of inclusion, top expert Cheryl M. Jorgensen guides you step by step through her accessible approach to creating inclusive learning environments for students with autism, Down syndrome, intellectual disability, and multiple disabilities. You'll get a clear rationale for meaningful inclusion and learn how to use strengths-based, person-centered planning to meet the needs of each individual student. Concrete, research-based examples show you what successful inclusion looks like, and ready-to-use strategies help you implement each stage of inclusion, from presuming competence to supporting the transition to adult life.

Especially helpful for new teachers—but a great source of real-world ideas for any educator or parent—this essential guidebook will help your school team develop fully inclusive classrooms where every student learns and thrives.


DISCOVER HOW TO
presume and construct all students' competence
develop supports to promote participation and learning
write inclusive, standards-based IEPs
collaborate with all IEP team members
promote friendships and social connections
assess academic progress
help students transition to the next grade
support students as they plan for life after high school
overcome common challenges to inclusion


PRACTICAL MATERIALS: Three in-depth case studies woven throughout the chapters, helpful checklists and tables, sample IEPs, additional online resources, and reproducible forms to help you implement inclusion.

256 pages, Paperback

Published April 25, 2018

Reviews

[Makenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this to be helpful with tangible steps that can be taken to responsibly move towards more inclusive practices

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredibly practical with a focus on setting up systems for serving students with complex needs in the gen ed setting. Includes checklists and forms to help teams plan.

[Tonya · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish this book was required reading for every educator and school administrator. It contains so much good information, and would make advocating for inclusion smoother.