Title and Board Action Requested
title
Approve Proclamation No. P25-001, Proclaim the First Two (2) Weeks of October as Disability History and Awareness Weeks.
body
Executive Summary
The Director of Exceptional Student Education, on behalf of the Superintendent of Schools, hereby requests the Board recognize the first two (2) weeks of October 2024 as Disability History and Awareness Weeks as declared by the Florida Legislature. As signed into law in 2008, the Florida Statutes sets-out Section 1003.4205, entitled "Disability History and Awareness Instruction."
To celebrate and recognize Disability History and Awareness, the school districts are encouraged to provide students with instruction "to expand their knowledge, understanding, and awareness of individuals with disabilities, the history of disability, and the disability rights movement . . . also include the contributions of specific individuals with disabilities, including the contributions of acknowledged national leaders."
Disability History and Awareness instruction will introduce goals that will provide an opportunity for:
* Better treatment for individuals with disabilities, especially for school students
* Prevention of bullying and/or harassment of students with disabilities
* Development of increased self-esteem with students with disabilities that will result in increased pride in being an individual with a disability
* Achieving post-secondary education
* Entering the workforce
* Participation in and contributions to their communities.
The promotion of Disability History and Awareness by the local, state, and federal organization supports the "full inclusion in society of, and the equal opportunity for, all individuals with disabilities."
(Please note: The Governor's Proclamation does not usually arrive prior to the first day of October and may not be available for this Agenda item. The signed Proclamation will be provided to Board Members upon receipt from the Governor's Office.)
My Con...
Click here for full text