Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility (DEIA) are important pillars for successful outcomes in any school. In order to experience equity & inclusion, disability has to be fully integrated into this conversation. The Just Say Hi! (JSH) curriculum sets out to elevate and expand the conversation around disability inclusion.
Our definition of an inclusive school community involves all stakeholders with and without disabilities. Students, their families/guardians, educators, counselors, administrators, and staff – including the essential roles of receptionists, bus drivers, custodial staff, and cafeteria workers.
In schools, inclusion can start by anyone saying “Hi!” – but it doesn’t end there. The true challenge is cultivating a sense of belonging for each student. This happens when the whole school community commits to inclusion, when true friendships are fostered, and when appropriate supports and insights are provided. Students with disabilities then have a chance for a truly equitable educational experience.
This initiative began with a focus on starting conversations and has evolved into an education-based plan of action. Just Say Hi! is an easily accessible resource for those committed to making change regarding disability inclusion. Change takes time, patience, commitment, and accountability. Just Say Hi! is the roadmap to cultivate this change. Its roadmap fosters a more inclusive, welcoming school climate where students feel a sense of belonging. As such, it builds accessible and inclusive systems that work for all.
WHAT IS INCLUDED?
ONLINE PORTAL
Everything You Need, All in One Place
What's Inside?
Cross Curriculum Resources (versions for PK-5 and 6-12)
Lesson Plan Compendium (over 84+ scaffolded PK-12 lesson plans)
Professional development resources
Family engagement resources
Book resource lists (PK-12)
Media resources (film and TV, for PK-12)
Adaptations for learning
American Sign Language (ASL) content
Roll-Out Options for Implementation
CROSS CURRICULUM RESOURCE
Easy-to-implement resource with lessons that support schools in creating conversations around inclusivity and diversity – for students with and without disabilities, and for the school community as a whole. There are two versions of this resource, and Elementary version for PK-5 and a Middle/High school version for 6-12.
LESSON PLAN compendium
Over 84+ lessons plans available from PK to 12th Grade.
The scaffolded, detailed lesson plans have been developed to cover many instructional content areas. Schools have different approaches for social-emotional learning, so individual lesson plans can be tailored to meet a school’s needs and practices. Creators include state Teachers of the Year, state Counselors of the Year, disabled educators, professors in Education, Subject Matter Experts, and allies. All have been reviewed, and often developed, by diverse professionals in the disability community.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT resources
Professional development made easy.
Professional development resources includes a six-part webinar series as well as a Professional Learning Supplement.
Professional development resources include a six-part webinar series, conducted in partnership with NYC’s Department of Education, as well as a Professional Learning Supplement. The webinar series is presented by CPF’s Ashley Harris Whaley and Rachel Byrne, and follows the six modules that are the pathway to learning for all stakeholders.
The Professional Learning Supplement is a collection of activities that can be integrated into each school's existing professional learning plans. They can be done during whole school staff professional days as team bonding activities or be done sequentially with smaller groups. The activities help staff reflect on their own perceptions, stereotypes, and knowledge about disability. This supplement offers sample activities that can be adapted to fit the needs of each individual school.
Program Brochure
An overview of the Just Say Hi Program
This brochure is easily printed, portable, and provides a brief overview of our program, including costs for 2022-23, for those interested in bringing Just Say Hi to your school and community.