Disability History and Awareness

The first two weeks of October are Disability History and Awareness Weeks! Section 1003.4205, Florida Statutes, entitled Disability History and Awareness Instruction, was signed into law in 2008. It requires school districts to designate the first two weeks of October as Disability History and Awareness Weeks and also promotes providing instruction for students in all public schools to expand student knowledge, understanding, and awareness of individuals with disabilities, disability history, and the disability rights movement.

Throughout these two weeks schools should support activities that: 

* Promote positive attitudes toward the successful inclusion of students with disabilities, 

* Increase respect and acceptance of individual differences, 

* Increase understanding of disabilities and related social issues and 

* Facilitate the development of literacy and language arts skills through activities about disability awareness.

General Information

Section 1003.4205, Florida Statutes, entitled Disability History and Awareness Instruction, was signed into law in 2008. The leglislation requires school districts to designate the first two weeks of October as Disability History and Awareness Weeks.