The Improve Group is currently in a reporting stage on our evaluation of the Performing Arts Workshop’s AEMDD grant work in the schools of San Francisco. Their emphasis for this grant is arts integration with special education classrooms and students. Teaching artists from “the Workshop” have been involved with General Education Classes with Inclusion (Special Education) Students and Special Day Classes (SDC). It has been very gratifying to observe the artists and students engaged in inclusive and beneficial learning activities. My pick for this week would like to celebrate those who are making inroads for inclusion of young people with disabilities.

This week’s pick: The Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation (MEAF) is honoring those who are embracing inclusion and offering the same opportunities to youth with or without disabilities. The MEAF Inclusion Champion Award is for those who are “helping to create a culture of inclusion within an organization or community or developing innovative strategies for inclusive programming in: school activities, after-school programs, community service, and leadership development.” Deadline to nominate individuals is December 1, 2008 and the maximum award amount is $1,000 for the charity of your choosing and a trophy for the nominated individual.. For more information on the nomination process please click here.