08-04-2025
Raleigh County Schools kicks off Disability Awareness and Acceptance Week
SOPHIA, WV (WVNS) – Students and educators alike came together on Monday, April 7, 2025, for a celebratory event kicking off Disability Awareness and Acceptance Week for Raleigh County Schools.
The annual program encourages inclusivity and acceptance of those navigating various disabilities and those with special needs.
Four years removed from its initial conception, the program is being recognized for the second year on a county-wide scale.
Monday's event featured several performances promoting visibility among the special needs community, a practice which Behavior Specialist for Raleigh County Schools, Taffy Robertson, noted is equally applicable in the community at large.
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'They are not just in schools but they are people that are at Walmart and in the grocery stores,' said Robertson. 'A lot of my performers hold jobs, so you will see them in the community too.'
Special Education Autism Teacher for Raleigh County Schools, Laural Coleman also pointed out the importance of inclusivity among students.
'It means a whole lot,' Coleman said. 'It means that my kids are better accepted, my kids are included, and they can create friendships outside of my classroom.'
Many of these students demonstrated their skills for those in attendance during Monday's ceremony through group performances.
Disability Awareness and Acceptance week will be observed in Raleigh County Schools throughout the remainder of the week.
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