Include Me

​Include Me is a school-based initiative for students with significant disabilities. The goal of the program is to build the capacity of local school districts across Pennsylvania to inclusively and meaningfully educate students with significant disabilities in general education classrooms and school community.

Include Me provides:

• On-site technical assistance and consultation for student teams
• Parent training, and,
• Professional development

Include Me services are free of charge to participating school districts and parents. Our Include Me School Age Program Overview provides more information. Or contact Nicole Turman, Program Director, by calling (717) 234-2621 ext. 118 or email to nturman@includemepa.org

Include Me is an initiative of The Arc of Pennsylvania. Funding for the project is provided by The Pennsylvania Bureau of Special Education and The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, Inc. The Arc of Pennsylvania is grateful to these funders for allowing us the opportunity to serve school-age children with disabilities throughout Pennsylvania.

Resources and Training Opportunities

• eLearning courses – Our courses cover a wide range of topics related to supporting students with disabilities. These courses are open to anyone. Educators can receive either a certificate of completion or ACT 48 continuing education credits for completing the course. Courses are available in English and in Spanish.
• Training Courses – The Arc of PA offers a variety of professional trainings for direct service providers working in community participation support, supported employment and customized employment. We offer professional certificates in ACRE, Customized Employment, and Intentional Teaching. Scholarships are available for educators and parents/guardians of students with disabilities in Pennsylvania.

Student Engagement

• Include Me Connection Club – Include Me Connection Club is an online creative outlet for all students ages 10+ and are designed for all learners. Students engage in interactive games and activities that help them increase their self-expression and self-advocacy.
• Book Studies – “Disability Acceptance through Literature” virtual book study for students helps foster disability acceptance. Students read and discuss books that explore disability through the perspective of school age protagonists. They run multiple book studies – each designed for different age groups.