Disability History and Awareness Month

Disability History and Awareness Month takes place during October to increase awareness, respect, and acceptance for people with disabilities, and to bring a greater sense of pride to people with disabilities.

Join FWPS, in centering the voices and expanding the narratives of people with disabilities to support inclusive school communities. Did you know, one out of five people in the United States has a disability. To help commemorate Disability History and Awareness Month and the vast contributions people with disabilities have made to our schools and communities, the Washington State Office of the Education Ombuds (OEO) created a video series centering student voice as a learning resource.

Watch the Office of Education Ombuds “One out of Five” video playlist.

Learn more and find additional stories and resources below this month:

• RCW 28A.230.158
• OSPI Resources
• ADL: A Brief History of the Disability Rights Movement
• WA Office of the Education Ombuds: Disability History and Pride Project

Empowering Abilities: FWPS ANEW Program Highlights Inclusion in Skilled Trades

This past summer, 14 students enrolled in the second ANEW Construction Youth Exploration program at Thomas Jefferson High School. This program, offered at Federal Way High School the first year and designed specifically for FWPS middle and high school scholars with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) or 504 plans who are interested in careers in the skilled trades, offers hands-on learning experiences that empower students to explore new career pathways while breaking down barriers to success.

In celebration of Disability History and Awareness Month, it’s important to recognize the critical role programs like ANEW in Federal Way Public Schools play in fostering an inclusive environment where students of all abilities can thrive. By providing students with disabilities the opportunity to explore the construction trades, the program creates spaces where scholars can develop practical skills, build confidence, and envision a future in which their abilities are celebrated, not defined by limitations.

Developed in partnership with the Washington State Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, scholars in the program participated in projects that ranged from building tables and benches to pouring cement and making cement lamp posts. These activities helped students learn essential skills such as safety practices, measuring, using hand and power tools, and construction terminology—all while nurturing critical problem-solving abilities.

“I've learned a lot. This program has given me new skills I can use at home to help my parents and loved ones. It will also help me secure better jobs in the trades, including options like flagging. As women, we can support each other and succeed in this field,” said TJHS senior Michaela Gonzales.

In addition to construction skills, scholars also gained exposure to valuable workplace skills like teamwork, job interview techniques, money management, appropriate workplace attire, self-advocacy, emotional intelligence, and career exploration.

Former TJHS student Arica Winters shared, “Socializing with my friends is important, so I brought my best friend here to gain experience together before entering the workforce. There are many demanding jobs out there, and this program prepares us for them.”

Students with prior construction and pre-apprenticeship experience also participate as Foreperson in Training (FIT), giving them a chance to develop essential leadership skills. FWHS alum Jason Shell, class of 2024, highlighted the importance of peer support in the program.

“Having peers next to them helps students become more comfortable and ensures they are on the right track,” said Jason, emphasizing the inclusive nature of the program that encourages collaboration and mentorship.

Mentoring has also taught Jason how to effectively communicate and cooperate with new students, providing them with a realistic understanding of the construction industry. While Jason plans to pursue a career in real estate by taking business and realtor courses, he is also exploring the possibility of a construction career.

The program offers scholars a workplace-like experience rather than a traditional school setting. “They have to sign in to the time sheet. Then they do a little bit of written work and some career exploration and write a project about it,” said Ms. Phillips, one of the program instructors who regularly teaches college-level classes at other institutions.

As we celebrate Disability History and Awareness Month in FWPS, this program serves as a shining example of how inclusive opportunities can open doors for students with disabilities, helping them realize their full potential in industries like construction, where diversity is essential for growth and innovation.

If you're interested in exploring more about the trades programs offered at Federal Way Public Schools, be sure to check out our course catalog for detailed information: https://www.fwps.org/academics/curriculum/course-catalog.

ETP scholars share dreams and experiences with Wildwood Functional Core Program

During National Disability History and Awareness Month each October, DiscoverU week offers a series of events highlighting diverse career paths for students. At Wildwood Elementary, FCP K-2nd grade teacher Ms. Kaori Reymann seized this opportunity to bring creativity into the classroom by involving older students from the Employment Transition Program (ETP) as mentors and role models, inspiring younger students in the Functional Core Program (FCP).

ETP empowers students with developmental disabilities to strengthen their skills and confidence as they transition into active roles within their community after high school graduation. Throughout FWPS, schools offer FCP classes that provide personalized support for students with disabilities, helping them develop important life skills.

So, during the 2024 DiscoverU Week, ETP students Tim, Lucy, and Janelle visited the Wildwood Elementary FCP class. While there, they took turns presenting to the class about the job skills and experiences they have gained from their ETP work assignments.

These include working as classroom assistants in FWPS’s Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP), labeling and sorting products at Café d’Arte, and gardening at ETP’s garden plot. They emphasized the importance of doing a good job and working hard.

They also shared their future career dreams, such as working in retail, going to college, and continuing at ECEAP. The FCP class appreciated their presentations, offering encouragement and applause. After the presentation, the ETP students answered questions, and chatted with teachers and paraeducators before returning to their work sites.

Ms. Kaori organized this collaboration between ETP and FCP. Previously having worked at ETP, she recognized the impact and value for both groups to partner and learn from their peers and see themselves in their learning and bright futures.

This is Wildwood Elementary’s third year of inviting ETP students to their FCP classroom. Ms. Kaori has pictures of the previous visits on display as students and visitors enter the classroom. Looking at the pictures, she reflected, “It's always important for ETP students to think about what they are actually doing and what they're doing intentionally to get closer to what they want to become. And for our [FCP] students, … I want my students to start thinking about, ‘oh, I can be like them too!’”

Wildwood has FCP students in 1^st-4^th grade, and it’s never too early for them to start preparing for the future. Every year, ETP students are exposed to a wide range of job and work opportunities including the ones the presenters mentioned above, meeting the needs of students with developmental disabilities beyond high school. FCP students can see ahead to those jobs and responsibilities as well.

FWPS is thrilled that this takes place during Disability History and Awareness Month. We have a dedicated team supporting and empowering our students with disabilities, and we have our community of students with disabilities encouraging each other. ETP students are role models to FCP students, showing what they’ll be capable of and where they can go as they continue their learning at FWPS. And when FCP scholars graduate and become an ETP student themselves, they’ll be the ones presenting to FCP students!

ETP celebrates 3^rd year partnering with KBTC in Ability Awareness project

FWPS scholars in the Employment Transition Program (ETP) are front and center in the latest videos in KBTC’s Ability Awareness series, sharing guidance on problem-solving, jobs, and relationships.

The entire series can be seen on the Ability Awareness webpage with ETP students prominently featured in its visuals.

Students from Federal Way Public Schools are playing a vital role in this impactful project. According to KBTC's website, the initiative “provides neurodivergent youth and those with disabilities the opportunity to share their voices through the creation of short-form videos that highlight essential life skills for all young people as they transition into employment and independent living.” Originally launched with a grant from Sesame Workshop, the series has expanded, thanks to additional funding from King County Best Starts for Kids.

To celebrate the release of the new videos students from the ETP attended a release party at the KBTC studios. Their achievements were also recognized at the FWPS school board meeting on October 22. The release party brought together ETP students, their families, staff, KBTC team members, and stakeholders to honor the collective hard work that made the videos a success.

The Ability Awareness series highlights diverse perspectives on a variety of topics, and we’re proud to have our ETP students showcase their talents and insights. This project amplifies their voices, and FWPS is honored to celebrate their contributions, especially during National Disability Awareness and History Month.

(All photos courtesy KBTC)

Empowering Futures: A Day in the Life of Evergreen Middle School’s Functional Core Program

Continuing to build awareness, respect, and acceptance for people with disabilities, FWPS is proud to spotlight the Functional Core Program (FCP) and dedicated staff at Evergreen Middle School this Disability History and Awareness Month.

The FCP is a specialized service for students with identified disabilities who demonstrate primary learning needs in the functional life skills domain. This program empowers students by teaching practical skills for daily living and independence, helping them gain confidence to fully engage in their communities. During our recent visit, we observed a day in the life of FCP scholars and the remarkable teachers and paraeducators in their classroom – a team that is essential to the success of our FCP, empowering scholars to navigate challenges, achieve personal milestones, and gain independence.

Starting off in the school’s weight room, students warmed up with stretches and calisthenics guided by their PE teacher, Ms. Mertens. Paraeducators were there every step of the way, assisting students through each station—from walking laps and yoga stretches to light weightlifting and mindful breathing. With their help, students tracked their progress, supporting their physical well-being and personal confidence.

Next, students transitioned to Ms. Starr’s classroom, where they shared the results of yesterday’s science experiment. Using crushed spinach leaves in rubbing alcohol, the students put a strip of a coffee filter in the container allowing the chlorophyll to wick up the strip and separating into color bands. The students hypothesized how chlorophyll would react and what colors they would find in the leaves. With guidance from Ms. Starr and the paraeducators, students reviewed their hypotheses and analyzed the experiment’s results. The activity emphasized critical thinking and helped students explore scientific concepts in a hands-on, engaging way.

Later, Ms. Starr led students in preparing for their Scholar-Led Conferences (SLCs), a pivotal time for each student to reflect on and present their progress to their families. With the support of paraeducators, students gathered their work and reflected on their achievements, choosing pieces that highlighted their growth. This activity not only helped students build self-advocacy skills but also reinforced their pride in their accomplishments.

Every day, Evergreen’s paraeducators play a vital role in fostering a supportive, inclusive environment. Under the direction of certificated teachers, paraeducators assist in both instructional and non-instructional tasks, ensuring students can participate in a variety of activities that develop academic and life skills. Their duties extend beyond the classroom, including tasks like assisting students with personal care and health needs, and managing behavioral support plans.

Ms. Starr commented on the experience FCP delivers to her scholars saying, “we equip our students with the skills and knowledge they need to have a full, active and rewarding life.  We teach them how to advocate for themselves and give them a strong sense of self-worth and pride in their accomplishments."

Our FCP scholars take their schedules and assignments seriously, knowing each day’s work prepares them for a bright future. As we conclude this year’s Disability History and Awareness series, we celebrate these scholars’ determination and the invaluable contributions of the paraeducators who empower them every day. Together, they are building a school culture where all students can thrive.