From Teachers…

The voices of disabled people make a lasting impact

“Your resources and lessons, created by individuals with lived experience, provide such a valuable and empowering perspective. We deeply appreciate DEE's commitment to reducing stigma and promoting disability equality in schools.

These materials will be a fantastic addition for educators looking to create meaningful and inclusive experiences for their students.”

- Inclusive Schools Week

Spreading kindness and starting conversations about disabilities

“Working with DEE has changed the lives of many of my students. The books are engaging and the activities are easy to follow. My students see people with disabilities in a different light and are more accepting of people who are different than them. Some children go home after the lessons and teach their families. They are spreading the word of kindness to others. This project has definitely made an impact in my classes and I plan on using the lessons next year.”

- Fifth grade teacher in the Philadelphia School District

Empowering young leaders to create change

“The most rewarding part of this program has been the students realizing that they can, at a young age, make a change in their community and even extend past that.”

“The lesson that had the most impact on the students was a book called “All The Way To The Top” by Annette Bay Pimentel. They really related to seeing a girl who was their age change the world. This program is so helpful in allowing young people to see the changes they want made in the world and start making them in their classroom and school community.”

- elementary teacher in the Philadelphia School District

Supporting teachers with vetted, disability-inclusive materials

“Disability Equality Education is an amazing resource for educators looking for some guidance in how to bring ideas, materials, and experiences into the classroom to educate their students on disability, past, present, and future. I especially appreciate that the materials provided have been created and vetted by disabled people. This mentorship program has helped me grow as an ally and become a better teacher to all my students, and I fervently hope it can continue in the future to bring this experience and support to more educators.”

- high school teacher in the Philadelphia School District

Shifting educator perspectives on inclusion

“Working with DEE has given me a new perspective as an art educator in an alternative school setting. I have started to view my lesson plans through a new lens and learned how to be more inclusive. I believe this is something ALL educators NEED access to.”

- middle school art teacher

Empowering schools to embrace diversity and inclusion

“After working with DEE this school year, I was able to better my knowledge and understanding about Disability Equality and spread my understanding to every teacher and student within my school. The students at my school have participated in many lessons, activities, and school community building in which they discovered that everyone is different and that's what makes the world beautiful. With becoming more accepting of differences, my students are now intrigued to learn more and ask questions when they do not understand certain aspects of disabilities. Together, with the guidance of the DEE Champion program, my students, staff, and teachers have never felt more united, regardless of their differences. The DEE Champion program has provided my school with the tools to begin the change towards disability equality.”

- elementary school teacher in the Philadelphia School District 

Lessons that create lifelong impact

“Disability Equality in Education (DEE) has been a game changer for me as an educator.  The #1 focus from the beginning has been to help educate the educator in ways to reduce stigma around disabilities in education and within the community. Stigma is a challenge for all students.  I find that students with disabilities want to belong just as any human wants to be accepted.  DEE was a Godsend to help me create engaging lessons that prompted students to think more proactively about who they are and what the Disabilities movement has done to promote a more equitable society.  Being involved with this project included getting one-on-one guidance and resources that will follow my students for the rest of their lives.  I am most grateful for the rich conversations that I have been able to have.  This was just year one for me.  You can never unlearn lessons that have had such a deep impact on how you see yourself and others.  That is exactly what DEE has been able to do for me.”

- middle school teacher in the Philadelphia School District

Disability rights are human rights, not optional accommodations

“Participating in the workshop with DEE has been an eye-opening experience, one that has broadened my understanding of disability rights and challenged preconceived notions about accessibility and inclusion.  

The workshop highlighted attitudes like pity, infantilization, and fear, which often overshadow the lived experiences of disabled individuals and perpetuate a sense of otherness. Moreover, the tendency to rely on assumptions rather than consulting with disabled individuals directly during decision-making processes further exacerbates these barriers.

At the center of the discussion, the workshop underscored the importance of recognizing disability rights as human rights, rather than viewing accommodations as optional or burdensome. It emphasized the need for a paradigm shift, where societal injustices experienced by disabled individuals are attributed not to their medical conditions but to the systemic barriers ingrained within our social structures.

Overall, the workshop has inspired me to advocate for more inclusive practices in the design industry and to challenge ingrained societal attitudes that perpetuate marginalization against people with disabilities.”

- Architecture and Interior Design college student

Challenging bias and advocating for disability equality

“[This workshop] underscored the importance of dismantling ableism and fostering an inclusive environment that accommodates diverse needs and experiences. The workshop provided practical strategies for promoting disability equality in various settings, from workplaces to educational institutions and public spaces.

Moreover, hearing firsthand accounts from individuals with disabilities offered invaluable insights and highlighted the importance of amplifying their voices and discussions surrounding disability rights and inclusion. 

Furthermore, the workshop prompted introspection regarding my own privileges and biases, particularly concerning able-bodied privilege. Recognizing the ways in which societal structures privilege certain individuals while marginalizing others challenged me to reflect on my own role in perpetuating or challenging the systems of oppression. It reinforced the need for ongoing self-education, allyship, and advocacy in striving towards a more equitable and inclusive society.”

- college student

The power of firsthand accounts in disability advocacy

“I appreciated the speakers first hand experiences with their disability, in addition to hearing Tony’s experience. The fruitful discussion that this allowed put our work as students and soon to be social workers, and as able bodied people into perspective and the heavy emphasis there needs to be on empowering people with disabilities and impairments to create advocacy.”

- Social Work Masters Degree Student

Challenging barriers and fostering disability pride

“Disability Equality in Education (DEE) and Alan Holdsworth have been invaluable partners in advancing disability rights and inclusion. Their commitment to disability pride and education was evident in their integral role at Millersville University's Annual Disability Pride events. Through their advocacy, expertise, and engaging workshops, DEE empowered students, faculty, and community members to embrace disability as a fundamental aspect of diversity.

The collaboration between DEE, Millersville’s student organization ADAPT, and other partners helped create a powerful space for awareness, activism, and celebration. Their work continues to shape more inclusive educational environments and challenge barriers in meaningful ways. We are grateful for DEE’s dedication to fostering disability pride and equality!”

- Millersville University

Your expertise made all the difference in our project

“Thank you so much for all your help! It made a huge difference in the accuracy of the book.”

“We’ve greatly valued and appreciated your partnership on all of this work!”

- Literary Curriculum Company

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