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

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.