Share Our Inclusive Classrooms!

Diana Mueller and Kate Gessling were asked to present a comprehensive case-study of the inclusive classrooms at West Portal Elementary School in SF, California with renowned Augmentative Communication and Assistive Technology Integration Specialist, Linda Burkhart. We have worked extensively with students who use Alternative and Augmentative Communication and have created classrooms and communities to support their learning in the general education environment. To share our learnings, we need your help getting to Minnesota!

AAC and the Inclusive Classroom Presentation Summary:
Studies have shown that inclusive education provides substantial benefits for students with and without disabilities. Yet many struggle to create classrooms that meet complex communication, sensory and physical support needs, while also fostering belonging and friendship. In this session, teachers, paraprofessionals and parents of AAC users from one elementary school will share their approach to developing classrooms where AAC users are thriving with communication, literacy and authentic peer relationships. We will address fostering shared beliefs, building the team, classroom culture, person-centered planning, program planning and assessment, and practical strategies, tools (high- and light-tech), and adaptations.

Closing the Gap: AAC and the Inclusive Classroom Presentation 

We will be missing time away from our students in hopes that other school teams, families, and students can benefit from our successes here. 

Please consider donating any amount to help support our conference presenter fees, flights and transportation, accommodations and meals.

We would love to be able to share and learn from other experts in the field to help support all classrooms to be inclusive of all learners who walk through the door! Any donations are so deeply appreciated. 

With Gratitude,
Diana and Kate