Staff Report

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – School District of Palm Beach County is promoting Disability History and Awareness Month. The annual awareness campaign takes place the first two weeks of each October.

“Words are powerful. So if we are not mindful, our words could perpetuate stereotyping and low expectation of students with disabilities.” said Kevin McCormick, Director of the Exceptional Student Education (ESE) Department.

The Department of Exceptional Student Education at the School District of Palm Beach County has set up a new webpage, https://www.palmbeachschools.org/ese/dis abilityawareness/, where schools and community members can access awareness activities resource manual, K-12 lesson plans, and historical timeline to promote awareness of disability history and the contributions of people with disabilities.

McCormick reiterated that promoting “People 1st” language continues to be crucial as we raise awareness.

School District of Palm Beach County will be engaging throughout the month in a variety of activities designed to involve our schools and communities in raising awareness and promoting Disability History and Awareness.

For more information on how to participate in the Disability History and Awareness Month activities and promote this important message of People 1st Language, during October and throughout the year, please contact Dr. Fartun Mohamud at Fartun.mohamud@palmbeachschools.org.