D158 to highlight ‘meaningful inclusion’ for students with disabilities by hosting several community events

HUNTLEY — In a press release statement, Huntley Community School District 158’s (D158) Director of Communications and Public Engagement Denise Barr, announced that the district will be observing National Disability Employment Awareness Month in October.

D158 plans to highlight “meaningful inclusion” for individuals with disabilities by hosting several community events to provide a unique experience for students with sensory needs, celebrate individuals with disabilities and the businesses that support them, and develop a shared understanding of inclusion in the school community.

On Oct. 6, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., D158 is partnering with American Eagle Outfitters (1908 Randall Road, Algonquin) to provide a unique, sensory-friendly shopping experience for the district’s students who have special needs. According to D158, accommodating sensory needs helps reduce anxiety and sensory overload, providing a more enjoyable and productive shopping experience for individuals.

For this sensory-friendly shopping experience, American Eagle will open the store early for a private shopping experience without crowds. The store will also reduce its music volume and dim its lighting. American Eagle ensures its special needs customers that it provides soft, comfortable clothing for sensory-sensitive individuals.

“Prior to the event, Huntley 158 will offer a brief training and tips for American Eagle staff about assisting students with sensory needs and will provide visual aids to display in the store for enhanced communication,” stated Barr in the press release. “American Eagle will offer a sneak peek of upcoming fall fashions and 10% off of all purchases.”

This event is for a select group of D158 students who receive special education services.

“Shopping can be an overwhelming and stressful experience for students with sensory needs but they want to wear the latest fashion trends just like their peers,” stated event organizer and Family Engagement Liaison for the district’s Special Services Department, Jill Shadel. “We appreciate the partnership with American Eagle in making this unique experience a reality for our students and families. It’s heartwarming to see our community come together to better understand and meet the needs of our students and families.”

In addition to the shopping experience, D158’s Recognizing American Diversity (RAD) organization will be hosting a “Celebrating Individuals with Disabilities” event on Oct. 8 from 4:30 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. at Heineman Middle School (725 Dr. John Burkey Drive, Algonquin). At this event, area businesses and local organizations that support individuals with disabilities will showcase their inclusive practices and demonstrate their commitment to making the community an accessible place for all.

Following the RAD event, there will be a live, virtual presentation on meaningful inclusion for staff, families, and community members from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Individuals can join via Zoom or remain at Heineman Middle School where the virtual presentation will be shown live.

“We are excited about this opportunity to engage our entire community in a conversation about meaningful inclusion and to highlight our community partners who employ some of our students with special needs and unite our community through practices of inclusion and accessibility,” said D158 Superintendent Jessica Lombard.

Lastly, on Oct. 16, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., the district will be hosting a Special Education Talk, which focuses on D158’s monthly ongoing learning series for parents and guardians on planning for their student’s future. This presentation will take place in Room 180 of D158’s Administrative Office (650 Dr. John Burkey Drive, Algonquin) and will feature a presentation on transition planning for life after high school for students with an IEP.

“We believe in creating a community where meaningful, shared learning experiences between all individuals are the norm. This requires that we build capacity in all our educators, students, families, and community members to better understand how we can support each other in a shared commitment to creating a sense of belonging for everyone,” said Assistant Superintendent for Special Services Deanna Gill. “When we capture, create, and leverage opportunities for all individuals to engage with each other in meaningful ways we are teaching the art of human connection, which is undoubtedly at the heart of inclusion.”

For more information about the district’s meaningful inclusion presentation and its presenters, visit the Inclusive Schooling website.