December Identity Recognition

 Recognizing International Day of Persons with Disabilities
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Explore the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.  Proclaimed by the United Nations, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities promotes the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities every year on December 3.. The day raises awareness of the political, economic, social and cultural aspects on how disability affects people around the world. The theme of this year’s observance is “United in action to rescue and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for, with and by persons with disabilities.”

Recognize International Day of Persons with Disabilities in your school.  This paper from Inclusive Schools is for educators looking to improve and expand inclusive educational practices in their schools. The resources from Understood can help you build a stronger, more equitable, more inclusive workplace. 

Seek out voices and resources.  “The principal said I couldn’t go to school because I was a fire hazard.” Judy Heumann, regarded as one of the founders of the disability rights movement in the United States, passed away in March 2023. Her activism was instrumental in passing Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973–the crucial federal legislation that entitles equal access to education for all students. Heumann’s 2018 TED talk describes the activism that led to the law’s passage.

Making December Inclusive 

​As we approach the end of the calendar, schools often have traditions and celebrations that focus on winter holidays. To ensure that all students feel included in your school’s practices, here are a few links that can spur conversations among educators and in the classroom:

• Rethinking Winter Holidays | Learning for Justice
• Winter Holidays: December Dilemma or Teaching Opportunity? | ADL
• A Racial Justice Guide to the Winter Holiday Season | Center for Racial Justice in Education
• How to responsibly and respectfully represent holidays and traditions within the art room | Anti-Racist Art Teachers
• Anti-Bias Education and Holidays: Making Thoughtful Decisions | NAEYC