Disability Rights and Inclusion Online Learning Opportunity

Did you know that persons with disabilities are the world's largest minority intersecting all other marginalized groups?

Persons with disabilities often face daily encounters with ableism. Ableism is discriminatory and social prejudice directed against persons with disabilities; combating it requires an understanding of the impact and ways to eradicate it. There are ways in which we can combat disability discrimination, by using inclusive language, adopting an asset-based mindset, avoiding assumptions about ability, and remaining mindful of social, physical, and attitudinal barriers. 

In public schools, many students have disabilities—either apparent or non-apparent—that require either an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or a 504 plan that outlines specific supports, accommodations, modifications, and services that they need to succeed. In addition to students with disabilities, many educators also have disabilities. There is a role for every educator to extend inclusivity and accessibility practices to ensure equal access for all students and educators.  

The transformative voice of educators has the power to dismantle disabling environments and provide equitable access and opportunity for persons with disabilities. We need the transformative voices of educators to help raise awareness, advocate, and act. 

Focused on achieving a more equitable and supportive environment for individuals with disabilities, NEA is offering a curriculum to help educators learn more about how to become a more inclusive educator, to challenge biases and undo ableism in our education system and to adapt an asset-based mindset to ensure that our schools are accessible and inclusive for all.    

CURRICULUM FOCUSED ON DISABILITY RIGHTS AND INCLUSIVE PRACTICES 

NEA is pleased to announce a professional learning series on disability rights and inclusion. All educators have a role in ensuring that persons with disabilities are afforded the same access and opportunities as their non-disabled peers. The curriculum was co-developed with researchers in disability studies and member experts.  This curriculum will help build the professional knowledge base around disability inclusion that is crucial to guiding the multitude of daily decisions that educators must make to ensure equitable opportunities for students with disabilities.  

Three 5-hour asynchronous courses are available in this series:  

• Disability Representation: Historical Perspectives and the Impact of
  Media — In this course, participants will examine the exclusion of people with disabilities in civil rights movements, explore the role of media in shaping views of people with disabilities, and build an understanding of how educational practices can support disability visibility in education settings. Sign up now. 
• Foundational Concepts: Ableism, Models of Disability, and Intersectionality — In this course, participants will explore the implications of different disability models on educational practices, examine ways to challenge ableist stereotypes and biases, and the effects of intersectionality on multiply-minoritized people with disabilities. 
• Creating Inclusive and Affirming Environments — In this course, participants will learn about the concept of presuming competence, consider the capacity of students with disabilities as viewed through an asset-based lens, and how language shapes perceptions.  

NEW Coursework Series!

Professional Learning Series on Disability Rights, Inclusive Education, and Collaborative Practices

NEA is proud to offer a comprehensive professional learning series designed to deepen educators’ knowledge and skills in disability rights, inclusive teaching, and effective collaboration. Through this curriculum—developed in collaboration with disability studies researchers and member experts—educators will learn how to ensure equitable access, meaningful participation, and positive outcomes for students with disabilities. The series covers legal frameworks, co-teaching and teamwork strategies, dismantling of environmental barriers, and foundational special education practices supporting culturally responsive and asset-based inclusion.

These five five-hour asynchronous courses provide flexible learning opportunities tailored to the realities of inclusive education today:

• Being Part of the Special Education Team — In this course, participants will explore the collaborative roles of general and special educators in supporting students with disabilities. The sessions cover shared responsibility for student success, including effective teamwork strategies, navigating IEPs and 504 plans, and ways to foster inclusive classroom environments that empower diverse learners.
• Collaborating to Serve All Students — Participants in this course will examine the principles of inclusive education through cultivating strong collaboration among educators, paraeducators, and school support staff. The course provides insights into managing caseloads and workloads, adhering to state regulations, and coordinating resources to ensure every student receives the support  they need to thrive in inclusive classrooms.
• Dismantling Disabling Environments — This course challenges participants to rethink educational spaces and practices by centering accessibility and inclusion for all students. Participants will gain practical strategies to support students with both apparent and non-apparent disabilities. They also learn to recognize and address barriers that restrict participation, respect, and equitable opportunity in school environments.
• Inclusive Education Frameworks  Understanding Laws, Rights, and Practices — In this course, educators will learn about essential federal legislation—ADA, Section 504, and IDEA—shaping the education landscape for students with disabilities. Participants will develop a nuanced understanding of rights, compliance, and best practices in developing 504 Plans and IEPs as well as analyze ways to promote equity for culturally and linguistically diverse students within inclusive educational frameworks.
• Inclusive Futures: Introduction to Special Education in the 21st Century — This introductory course empowers educators to strengthen inclusive practices by providing a foundational overview of special education. Participants will become familiar with key laws, terminology, disability categories, and the processes that ensure effective planning and support for students with disabilities, with special emphasis on inclusive language, anti-ableist practices, and the educator’s role in advancing equity in schools.

Who Can Register for the Coursework?

This coursework is available to all NEA members at no cost. Non-members can enroll in each course for a cost of $39.99. 

How Do I Register for the Coursework? 

Through the NEA Professional Excellence Portal members have an opportunity to take their professional learning into their own hands with access to professional learning on a wide variety of topics, on demand! 

To register for the courses, login to the NEA Professional Excellence Portal. If you do not have an account, it is free to register, enroll, and get started.  

Once you are in the Professional Excellence Portal, click on the Store next to the shopping cart icon at the top of the page. When the page loads, type the course name into the search bar. Click the blue add button to add the course to your learning path.  

Can I Earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for the Coursework?

Upon successful completion of the course, participants can print a transcript/certificate of completion. 

Formal CEU requirements vary depending on the educator’s state and specialty. Educators will need to check with their Association, school, human resources department, or their state board of education for specific guidelines for earning CEUs.