High school students produce inclusion video with Seattle group; CLAC to show preview at school committee
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Summary
Staff presented a 13-minute student-produced video made with an organization from Seattle (identified in the meeting as the Able Group) that highlights student perspectives on inclusion and competitive employment; the finished video will be shown to the school committee and copies provided to participating students and families.
A school staff member described a spring project in which high school students with disabilities collaborated with an out-of-state organization (referred to in the meeting as the Able Group) to produce a 13-minute video about inclusion and belonging.
The staff member said the remote agency brought filming expertise from Seattle and worked with students on recording and basic editing. Students in the video spoke about myths they face, wanting independence and competitive employment, and the importance of social inclusion. One participant in the video identified himself by name during the recording: “I’m Richard,” the video records.
The presenter said the project included hands-on training: students learned to use equipment, record, and do some editing, and each participant received a professional headshot. The staff member said the project was funded in part through a grant with the state behavioral-health agency (BHDDH) and the implementing partner, and that the completed film will be acknowledged at an upcoming school committee meeting. The staff member said the group plans additional projects next year and discussed the possibility of students producing video resumes for Individualized Education Program (IEP) transition planning.
Committee members praised the students’ leadership roles in the project. A committee member noted Chloe’s leadership and said the student group has given presentations around the district about belonging. The presenter suggested the students who took part in the film could be invited to future advisory meetings or to consult on preschool-playground design or other district projects, saying, “they want to be included. They wanna have agency.”
The presenter said some districts outside North Kingstown are working with the Seattle organization on similar projects; she said the partnership came about through a network referral and that the district supplied basic recording devices while the out-of-state partner provided additional production support.
The school committee will receive the final version of the video; the staff member said the video is scheduled to be shown in some form at the next school committee meeting and that copies will be provided to participating families.
