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Jordyn Zimmerman

@jordynbzim.bsky.social
2.2K followers 167 following 36 posts

She/Her. #Accessibility Enthusiast. M.Ed. MBA. Constant learner. Apple Distinguished Educator. #EduSky. Two-time Presidential Appointee. My own thoughts. www.JordynZimmerman.com

PostsRepliesMedia
Reposted by Jordyn Zimmerman
Qlarant @qlarant.com · 16/06/2026
@jordynbzim.bsky.social gave an incredible keynote here at NASDDDS Federal Policy Symposium. If you don't know her story, it's worth discovering how she is influencing both perceptions and policy around people with disabilities.
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Thinking Person's Guide to Autism @thinkingautism.com · 30/05/2026
“When educators understand that nonspeaking students are often underestimated as a result of how the system is set up, it pushes them to rethink the yardstick we use to measure knowledge & the changes they can make in their class.” @jordynbzim.bsky.social: revolutionary.19thnews.org/profile/jord...
revolutionary.19thnews.org
Revolutionary — The 19th
As the country marks 250 years, The 19th is centering the women and LGBTQ+ people whose lives and work have challenged this nation to make good on promises it has yet to extend to all.
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Metamorphosis Literary Agency @metamorphlitag.bsky.social · 24/03/2026
Please welcome Jordyn Zimmerman to Metamorphosis Literary Agency! Jordyn is a disability advocate whose delayed access to communication has shaped her work. She’s been highlighted on CBS Mornings, published in The New York Times, & named to the 2025 Forbes Accessibility 100 List.
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CommunicationFIRST @communicationfirst.bsky.social · 27/02/2026
At an Office of Special Education & Rehabilitative Services listening session, the plea of attendees was clear: don’t weaken oversight of equity in #SpecialEd. Learn ways to advocate & how OSERS has supported students like our Board Chair Jordyn Zimmerman. lnk.to/jzosers @jordynbzim.bsky.social 1/2
[Image: Jordyn Zimmerman stands on the steps of the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, with the West Wing of the White House behind her.]
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Jordyn Zimmerman @jordynbzim.bsky.social · 07/02/2026
Cameras in some classrooms won’t actually save students with disabilities. Other kids will. Just another reason why inclusion and community matter so much.
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Thinking Person's Guide to Autism @thinkingautism.com · 28/01/2026
Welp, we have a new IACC (Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee), the US government’s advisory panel for autism issues. It is entirely planted with worst case pseudosciencers who will “Fight Against Autism”—and ignore autistic rights and needs. Just awful news. www.hhs.gov/press-room/h...
hhs.gov
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Julia Métraux @juliametraux.bsky.social · 29/11/2025
For the 50th anniversary of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, I spoke with advocates about how this law is crucial–and the ways in which disability education can be made better as its under attack from the Trump administration at @motherjones.com. www.motherjones.com/politics/202...
motherjones.com
This disability education law turned 50 today. Disability advocates want more.
"Our civil rights are not up for negotiations," Rep. Lateefah Simon said.
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Julia Métraux @juliametraux.bsky.social · 29/11/2025
@jordynbzim.bsky.social, a nonspeaking autistic person, didn't have access to an iPad which helped her communicate until she was 18. “So that really highlights, both the flaws, but also the power in when the spirit is fulfilled with intentionality.”
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CommunicationFIRST @communicationfirst.bsky.social · 26/11/2025
Just in time for your holiday shopping: Jordyn’s shirt is back! At this link only until 12/4: lnk.to/shpc. Give a gift that supports communication #advocacy. #SpeechDoesNotMakeSomeoneMoreHuman @jordynbzim.bsky.social [Image: Jordyn Zimmerman sits smiling on a rooftop bench, wearing a… (1/2)
[Image: Jordyn Zimmerman sits smiling on a rooftop bench, wearing a shirt that says “Speech does not make someone more human.” She holds an AAC device and a jacket. Behind her, partly cloudy skies and a tree-lined cityscape stretch into the distance.]
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9to5Mac @9to5mac.com · 21/11/2025
Apple’s second limited-edition iPhone accessory in a month is all about accessibility
9to5mac.com
Apple’s second limited-edition iPhone accessory in a month is all about accessibility
Following the introduction of iPhone Pocket, Apple announced today the Hikawa Phone Grip & Stand, celebrating the 40th anniversary of accessibility at Apple. Here are the details. more…
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CommunicationFIRST @communicationfirst.bsky.social · 27/10/2025
Our Board Chair Jordyn Zimmerman advocates that people who need & use AAC must be leaders & co-designers of AAC technologies. She writes about this in Impact, a journal from the Institute on Community Integration. She's featured in its 40 Big Ideas issue! lnk.to/bigidea @jordynbzim.bsky.social 1/2
[Image: A smiling Jordyn Zimmerman takes her place at a conference table. On the table in front of Jordyn is her AAC device, an iPad.]
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Jordyn Zimmerman @jordynbzim.bsky.social · 21/09/2025
Before you share the “new cause” of #autism tomorrow, what are you doing to actually help the autistic community today?
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Thriving Autistic @thrivingautistic.bsky.social · 21/08/2025
Research Reshare: Autistic Communication Communication is the practice of using & making sense of language. It involves more than using speech especially for Autistic people Use non-speaking/minimally speaking, recognise language as multimodal & multidimensional journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/...
Blue and gold back ground with Thriving Autistic logo and infinity symbol. Text reads: Conceptualizing and describing autistic language: Moving
on from 'verbal', 'minimally verbal' and 'nonverbal'
Kristen Bottema-Beutel, Alyssa Hillary Zisk, Jordyn Zimmerman, and Betty Yu
(2025)

"These studies aim to better characterize how

autistic people who use little to no speech
deploy a range of linguistic resources to
achieve communicative ends."
Conceptualizing and describing autistic language: Moving on from ‘verbal’, ‘minimally verbal’ and ‘nonverbal’
Kristen Bottema-Beutel, Alyssa Hillary Zisk, Jordyn Zimmerman, and Betty Yu
(2025)Blue and gold background with Thriving Autistic logo and infinity symbol. Text reads: 1. Non-speaking autistic people should be involved in the
design and conduct of research

2. Use 'non-speaking' or 'minimally speaking'
instead of 'nonverbal' or 'minimally verbal'

3. Describe and assess autistic language as a
multidimensional, multimodal, and in many cases multilingual phenomenon

4. Autistic people with intermittent, unreliable, insufficient, or expensive
speech should also be given access to language support, including AAC
Conceptualizing and describing autistic language: Moving on from ‘verbal’, ‘minimally verbal’ and ‘nonverbal’
Kristen Bottema-Beutel, Alyssa Hillary Zisk, Jordyn Zimmerman, and Betty Yu
(2025)
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d-mcnaughton.bsky.social @d-mcnaughton.bsky.social · 24/07/2025
Jordyn Zimmerman calls for “a more user-centered design approach across the board—where AAC users are not merely participants, but leaders…” Free at doi.org/10.1080/0743... @communicationfirst.bsky.social @ussaac.bsky.social @isaacinternational.bsky.social
Picture of Jordyn Zimmerman presenting at the Future of AAC Research Summit, and text that reads
“There must be deep understanding around our needs, desires, and pain points—with the goal of designing and developing in ways that efficiently address them."

Beyond access: the intersecting role of AAC, literacy, and technology Zimmerman (2025)
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Thinking Person's Guide to Autism @thinkingautism.com · 25/07/2025
Non-speakers deserve a full education: "We have "a critical need for research into (1) why people are often denied access to AAC, (2) the systemic effects of this denial, & (3) how we can ensure access to AAC from infancy and onward." By @jordynbzim.bsky.social: www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....
tandfonline.com
Beyond access: the intersecting role of AAC, literacy, and technology
As the digital landscape continues to evolve, access to communication, literacy, and technology have become essential for citizenship, community inclusion, and social and emotional well-being. This...
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Jordyn Zimmerman @jordynbzim.bsky.social · 06/07/2025
Check out my paper in the Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Journal, Beyond access: the intersecting role of AAC, literacy, and technology. doi.org/10.1080/0743...
doi.org
Beyond access: the intersecting role of AAC, literacy, and technology
As the digital landscape continues to evolve, access to communication, literacy, and technology have become essential for citizenship, community inclusion, and social and emotional well-being. This...
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Reposted by Jordyn Zimmerman
Little Lobbyists @littlelobbyists.com · 19/06/2025
Multiple Little Lobbyists families traveled to Washington, D.C., from across the country (Maggie and David traveled all the way from Alaska!) to deliver a simple message to their U.S. Senators: DO NOT CUT A SINGLE DIME OFF #Medicaid! Story via @nytimes.com #ProtectMedicaid
nytimes.com
‘Little Lobbyists’ Urge Senators to Oppose Trump’s Bill Cutting Medicaid
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Jordyn Zimmerman @jordynbzim.bsky.social · 17/06/2025
I am thrilled to be included in the first-ever #ForbesAccessibility100 list that honors myself and others (many I admire so, so much) as the biggest innovators and impact-makers in Accessibility. Read more: www.forbes.com/lists/access... @forbes.com
forbes.com
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CommunicationFIRST @communicationfirst.bsky.social · 14/06/2025
Register now for the next CommunicationFIRST webinar on June 26: Policy Advocacy 101 for #AAC Users and Allies - featuring @jordynbzim.bsky.social, Bob Williams, Angelica Vega, Dean Strauss, Toby Latham, and Samuel Habib! us06web.zoom.us/webinar/regi... #DisabilityRights
"Everything you need to know to advocate for policy change -  POLICY ADVOCACY 101 FOR AAC USERS AND ALLIES - June 26, 2025; 1:30-3:00 pm ET; Featuring Jordyn Zimmerman Bob Williams Angelica Vega Dean Strauss Toby Latham Samuel Habib Register: bit.ly/4l70z8f CommunicationFIRST"
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Jordyn Zimmerman @jordynbzim.bsky.social · 10/06/2025
Good design is accessible design. Good design is accessible design. Good design is accessible design.
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Jordyn Zimmerman @jordynbzim.bsky.social · 23/05/2025
“We’ve all been sold a con: that progress is a zero-sum game. That when women rise, men must fall. That when someone new gets a seat at the table, yours disappears … If we’re too busy blaming each other, we’ll never imagine what we could build together.” time.com/7286184/worr...
time.com
I Founded Girls Who Code. Now I’m Worried About Boys
Boys and men are less likely to turn to their communities for social connection and support.
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Jordyn Zimmerman @jordynbzim.bsky.social · 15/05/2025
Quick reminder that accessibility features can be leveraged for everyone! One favorite is using Live Listen on iPhone or iPad while watching TV, increasing the volume for those that want it and also reducing sounds for people who might not (like me 🙋🏻‍♀️). #GAAD
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FPG Institute @fpginstitute.bsky.social · 13/05/2025
Day one of the 25th International Early Childhood Inclusion Institute has been amazing! Thank you to keynote speaker Jordyn Zimmerman for an incredible presentation. Let us know what your favorite part of the first day of the Inclusion Institute has been in the comments. #FPGInclusionInstitute
A group of attendees pose in front of an Inclusion Institute sign. They hold various photo booth props.Brian Boyd stands at a lectern and holds his hands up in celebration while addressing the Inclusion Institute attendees.Chih-Ing Lim stands at a lectern in front of a presentation screen and addresses the attendees of the Inclusion Institute. Paula Grubbs stands to her left. Pam Winton stands at a lectern in front of a presentation screen and waves to the attendees of the Inclusion Institute.
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Jordyn Zimmerman @jordynbzim.bsky.social · 25/04/2025
Over the past couple weeks, autism has been part of many conversations on here and in the news. Read my latest letter to the editor of @nytimes.com, available online and in print. www.nytimes.com/2025/04/24/o...
Printed newspaper with the header, "Kennedy's Dangerous Autism Claims." Letters to the editor are below.
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AAPD - The American Association of People with Disabilities @aapd.com · 22/04/2025
Great news for disabled college + grad students who want to pursue media, communications, or entertainment careers – the 2025 NBCUniversal Tony Coelho Media Scholarship application is open! Apply by May 30 at 5pm ET. www.aapd.com/nbcuniversal...
aapd.com
NBCUniversal Tony Coelho Media Scholarship - AAPD
Thanks to a generous contribution from NBCUniversal, the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) is proud to announce the recipients for the 2023 NBCUniversal Tony Coelho Media Scholar...
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Julia Métraux @juliametraux.bsky.social · 22/04/2025
I'm looking for ideas for me as a journalist to do for a solutions story at @motherjones.com on how aging people (60+) are staying connected to each other through a cool activity (think slightly quirky). If you have any examples, please get in touch at jmetraux@motherjones.com
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Jordyn Zimmerman @jordynbzim.bsky.social · 16/04/2025
“Autism destroys families.” No. No, it doesn’t. A lack of resources does that. Cutting programs and services does that. Spreading false information does that.
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Kristen Bottema-Beutel @kbottemabeutel.bsky.social · 12/04/2025
New editorial in @journalautism.bsky.social with @yesthattoo.bsky.social @jordynbzim.bsky.social and @bettyyu.bsky.social where we argue that "nonverbal" and "minimally verbal" are not useful constructs for grouping or describing autistic people. journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/...
journals.sagepub.com
Conceptualizing and describing autistic language: Moving on from ‘verbal’, ‘minimally verbal’ and ‘nonverbal’ - Kristen Bottema-Beutel, Alyssa Hillary Zisk, Jordyn Zimmerman, Betty Yu, 2025
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Jordyn Zimmerman @jordynbzim.bsky.social · 03/04/2025
Many of the greatest innovations in the future will continue to come from the accessibility efforts and discussions happening now. Learn about a few of those in this podcast: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/t...
podcasts.apple.com
Inside Apple: Sonic Accessibility
Podcast Episode · Twenty Thousand Hertz · 04/02/2025 · 32m
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Accessibility Awareness @a11yawareness.bsky.social · 25/03/2025
"Change, Not Charity: The Americans with Disabilities Act" premieres on @pbs.org tonight, March 25th. @jimlebrecht.bsky.social directed the film, which shows the "decades-long push for equality and accessibility that culminated in the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990."
pbs.org
Change, Not Charity: The Americans with Disabilities Act | American Experience | PBS
The dramatic story of the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990. The film highlights the determined people who literally put their bodies on the line to pass the legislation tha...
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Thinking Person's Guide to Autism @thinkingautism.com · 19/03/2025
Autism Acceptance Month is coming and AAC/communication app developer @assistiveware.bsky.social is celebrating with their traditional 50% off sale! Mark your calendars for April 2-9: www.assistiveware.com/aac-app-sale #AutismAcceptanceMonth2025 #AAC #autism
assistiveware.com
Autism Acceptance Month Sale 2025 - AssistiveWare
Everyone has something to say. Working closely with the AAC community, we build apps and share best practice to help you communicate with the world.
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Jordyn Zimmerman @jordynbzim.bsky.social · 19/03/2025
I had an incredible time in Australia! The highlight? Presenting at #AGOSCI2025 and connecting with so many educators, advocates and users. Plus, from school visits to seeing penguins and feeding kangaroos — every moment was incredible. Thanks to all who made it that way!
Jordyn, standing at the podium as she delivers her keynote during the AGOSCI conference. On screen there’s a message in white lettering, “Everyone has words worth sharing.”A small group of people standing together at the Statewide Inclusive Education Services office. Jordyn is smiling in the middle.Jordyn, knelt down next to a kangaroo, holding a cup in her left hand to feed it.Elevator selfie with Shannon, Amanda, David, and Erin and Jordyn, smiling in the back.
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Christopher Peak @clpeak.bsky.social · 11/03/2025
Sold a Story has a new mini-series. We found a high-poverty school district where nearly every kid can read well. They’ve been teaching the same way for 25 years. But a new law, inspired by our reporting, put that at risk. All three podcast episodes are out now.
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CommunicationFIRST @communicationfirst.bsky.social · 04/03/2025
Back by popular demand! The “Jordyn Zimmerman tee” is available now until March 24! lnk.to/shpc. 📷: #VisibleAAC Photo of Jackson Shroeder by Jayne Schroeder [Image: AAC user Jackson Schroeder sports a green CommunicationFIRST T-shirt featuring a quote by our Board Chair @jordynbzim.bsky.social…
AAC user Jackson Schroeder sports a green CommunicationFIRST T-shirt featuring a quote by our Board Chair Jordyn Zimmerman: “Speech does not make someone more human.”
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CommunicationFIRST @communicationfirst.bsky.social · 26/02/2025
It’s been two years since one of our founding Board members, #JudyHeumann, left us. To honor her legacy, you can help save the disability rights law that she helped get passed. Our partner, DREDF, created a resource to stop the attack on #Section504. lnk.to/tvbart [Image: CommunicationFIRST...
CommunicationFIRST Board Chair Jordyn Zimmerman, standing in black, holds hands with a smiling Judy Heumann, who sits in a power wheelchair wearing a floral shirt.
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Jordyn Zimmerman @jordynbzim.bsky.social · 23/02/2025
Finding joy, like this pup turning 7 !!
A black and white Boston Terrier, sitting in his bed with a silver 7 balloon behind him. He is holding a treat in his mouth that reads, “happy birthday!”
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Disability Power & Pride (DPoP) @dispowerpride.bsky.social · 18/02/2025
Hello! We’re excited to announce the re-launch of Disability Power & Pride (DPoP)! As a 501(c)(4) org, we are here to elevate the political voices of the disability community. We want to get to know YOU! Introduce yourself! #DPoP #DisabilityRights #Inclusion #PoliticalPower
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Julia Métraux @juliametraux.bsky.social · 14/02/2025
Re lawsuit that could dismantle Section 504, South Carolina attorney general apparently is talking to other states' AGS and "expect the lawsuit to be withdrawn." If not, the South Carolina AG "will withdraw from it." www.postandcourier.com/education-la...
postandcourier.com
South Carolina AG backs away from lawsuit challenging disability civil rights
Triggered by the idea that gender dysmorphia is a protected disability, 17 states — including South Carolina — had challenged federal disability protections.
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Jordyn Zimmerman @jordynbzim.bsky.social · 10/02/2025
Really confused by the people who work in accessibility, but are cheering for policy change that will fundamentally make places, services, and products less accessible. If that’s you, can you please explain ! Feel free to DM.
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Vilissa Thompson @vilissathompson.bsky.social · 09/02/2025
I’ll never understand why they won’t do picture-in-picture when it comes to the ASL interpretation for the #SuperBowl . It baffles me. I want to see the homey Matt for the Halftime Show ASL work. I shouldn’t have to look for it elsewhere when that time comes.
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Joe Shapiro @nprjoeshapiro.bsky.social · 31/01/2025
No, the FAA did not recruit people with intellectual disabilities to work as air traffic controllers. Despite what the President said about anti-discrimination programs. My story @npr.org www.npr.org/2025/01/30/n...
npr.org
People with intellectual disabilities do lots of jobs–but they don't direct air traffic
After the fatal crash over the Potomac River, the President says diversity hiring has made the skies unsafe, but that's not how disability hiring works
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Ted Samaras @ourtechcoach.bsky.social · 30/01/2025
Couldn’t resist getting a pic with @jordynbzim.bsky.social using the cool Voice Control Accessibility feature on iOS 18. Thanks @apple! #techspo25
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Basic Apple Guy @basicappleguy.com · 27/01/2025
15 Years Ago: Apple Announced iPad.
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Partnership on AI @partnershipai.bsky.social · 22/01/2025
How can AI be more inclusive of people with disabilities? In our latest Q&A, @arianaaboulafia.bsky.social, an attorney and disability rights advocate at @cendemtech.bsky.social, shares how AI and algorithmic systems can perpetuate ableism—and what we can do about it.
buff.ly
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CommunicationFIRST @communicationfirst.bsky.social · 27/01/2025
Our hearts grieve the passing of Devva Kasnitz (z”l), a monumental contributor to the #DisabilityCommunity and CommunicationFIRST's long-time Advisory Council Member. At this link, share memories and get updates on opportunities to honor her loving soul. lnk.to/kasnitz
With her back to the camera, Devva Kasnitz sits by a table at the Future of AAC Research Summit. She watches herself on-screen during the film premiere of “13 AAC Users: Priorities for Future Research.”
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Katie Fielding @katiefielding.com · 19/01/2025
Have you seen the NEW Standards for Inclusive Classrooms from The Nora Project and @jordynbzim.bsky.social? #EduSky I took time to review them and write my initial thoughts here: fieldingnotes.substack.com/p/new-standa...
fieldingnotes.substack.com
New! Standards for Inclusive Schools and International Creativity Month
FieldingNotes: Where Accessibility and Creativity Collide
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Jordyn Zimmerman @jordynbzim.bsky.social · 18/01/2025
Today, The Nora Project released its Standards for Inclusive Schools! I am so proud to be a lead author and am excited for the impact these groundbreaking Standards will have on students and educators everywhere. Check them out and spread the word! #EduSky
thenoraproject.ngo
Introducing The Standards for Inclusive Schools — The Nora Project
The Nora Project has now released its Standards for Inclusive Schools , a groundbreaking roadmap for building inclusive schools where all students with and without disabilities are welcomed as thei...
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Jordyn Zimmerman @jordynbzim.bsky.social · 12/01/2025
For years, much research has confirmed the importance of including students with disabilities — benefitting non disabled students too. (Yet, as long as we continue to separate students out as special ed and general ed, we will carry on with upholding segregated systems of delivery.) #EduSky
npr.org
Special ed students benefit from being integrated at school. It doesn't always happen
Research shows including students with and without disabilities in the same classroom can benefit everyone. Two students with Down syndrome show what can be gained when that happens.
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