Over the years, the use of seclusion and restraint in schools across the United States has drawn plenty of attention. Federal data indicates more than 122,000 students nationwide were secluded or restrained in the 2015-2016 school year and students with disabilities represent 12% of the student population. Nationally, they represent 71% of students who were restrained and 66% of those students who were secluded. Recently, there has been movement at the federal level to better understand and reduce the use of restraint and seclusion. Locally, however, a Nebraska state senator has proposed a bill, Legislative Bill 147, that leans the opposite direction.

Guest Blogger Suzanne McDonald explores what inclusion means to the includers and the included through the lens of her son's flag football team.

“Home” and “community” represent a lot more than just words for most people who live in Nebraska. Your talents and creativity can help increase community inclusion through expanding the available settings, connections, relationships, opportunities, and choices for all people who want to live in the community.