Inclusion Matters, a local non-profit whose mission is to build inclusive, sensory- and literacy-rich playgrounds, is partnering with the LAUSD on a week-long program with the LAUSD for Inclusive Schools Week Celebration, Dec 4-8. The goal is to encourage schools to download the Inclusion Matters toolkit that promotes inclusive play and learning. While the LAUSD is a partner, the program is open to all schools. These photos are of a playground called Aidan’s Place built at Westwood Recreation Center.

Founded in 1988, Inclusion Matters by Shane’s Inspiration runs education and community outreach programs, and transform playgrounds into classrooms where children with and without disabilities learn to see beyond their differences. These programs eliminate the damaging bias and social isolation that many children with disabilities face, and have reached over 45,000 students in more than 250 schools. The organization also inspires and empowers teachers to make their school communities more inclusive through our professional development trainings, and its curriculum has been distributed in 65 countries.

If you are a teacher, administrator or parent who would like to get involved, check out inclusionmatters.org/launified.