Jill Wagoner

Content creator, strategist, and storyteller.

Imagine a reality where students with disabilities confidently raise their hands in general education classes, collaborate on group projects, navigate school hallways with peers, engage in lively lunchroom conversations, and participate in clubs, sports, and artistic experiences.

Imagine a world where young adults with disabilities travel to their college classes with their friends, whom they later attend the football game with. Imagine a time when adults with various disabilities are warmly welcomed into the workforce and compensated fairly. This should be the standard, not the exception.

Reflecting on the years of my son’s educational journey, we’ve experienced predominantly positive and inclusive settings. He has thrived in general education, participating in athletics, arts, and clubs, receiving awards, attending dances, and embarking on adventures at Outdoor School. While acknowledging areas for improvement, the essence of inclusion has undeniably worked for him.

However, stark statistics reveal a significant gap:

In 2021, only 20 percent of students with ID spent 80 percent or more of their time in general education.

-National Center for Education Statistics

There are more than 420,000 school-age children with intellectual disability. However, fewer than 2% of these students will attend college.

-Think College

Businesses who hire people with disabilities see 30% higher profits and 72% more productivity.

-2018 Accenture Study

In 2023, only 22.5 percent of people with disabilities were employed.

-U.S. Department of Labor

This disparity in experience, access, and attitude toward students with disabilities extends beyond the school walls, affecting opportunities in college, employment, and community engagement. It’s clear that geography and individual community cultures play crucial roles in perpetuating these inequalities.

So, I asked myself, “What can I do? How can my skills make a difference for more families like mine?”

The answer is to amplify the stories and work of inclusion.

Countless commendable initiatives are underway, yet strategic communication is often lacking. Whether it’s providing vital information to consumers, engaging donors to support the cause, reaching educators hungry for knowledge, or sharing narratives that reshape mindsets, organizations need the right tools.

With the right tools, organizations can:

Tell more inclusive stories.
Showcase their impact.
Support and empower families to understand their rights and best practices.
Educate both general and special educators.
Illuminate the transformative power of college for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
Generate more equitable work opportunities.

The work ahead is substantial. I invite partnerships with organizations committed to this transformative work. Let’s amplify inclusion together.

Photo credit: Thomas Walker Photography