From March 3 until March 7, Kennedy will have its annual inclusion week. This is a week where Special Olympics Iowa and Best Buddies partner with schools from preschool to college to foster inclusivity. 

Over 150 schools across Iowa participate in hopes of creating a greater sense of community. Its goal is to improve self-confidence and self-image for those with intellectual and other disabilities. 

 “[Inclusion Week] is really important to my students because of the nature of their disabilities. They are often isolated from the rest of the community, so this gives them a chance to really be a part of things and get to know other people outside of the classroom,” Best Buddies Advisor and special education teacher Kiley Chihak said. 

Students have multiple opportunities to get involved during Inclusion Week. A spirit week will consist of dress-up days like pajama day, mismatch day and neon day. A banner will be signed by those pledging to include others. On Wednesday, Best Buddies will be having a party with a special video being shown.

“Say hi to each other in the hallway. Sit with somebody new at lunch. Ask somebody to join you at an activity that you’re doing. Just make sure that everybody feels like they have a place here and that they are welcomed,” Chihak said.

Additionally, on a website called Spread the Word, individuals can make a pledge to spread inclusion in their life. 

This behavior doesn’t need to stop after Inclusion week ends. These benefits can carry on into daily lives of individuals in all aspects. There are many opportunities to make others feel appreciated, such as Best Buddies and unified PE, which always welcome new people. For more information on how to promote inclusion in the community, students can visit Spread the Word.