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Parents urge inclusion for student with autism and broader inclusive-education commitments
Summary
Two public speakers urged North Allegheny to provide inclusive extracurricular access and classroom opportunities: a parent requested special accommodations to allow her autistic son to try out for the swim team, and a community member asked the board to pursue inclusive-education practices within the strategic plan.
During the nonvoting-public-comment period on Aug. 7, Kelly Hartman and Ursula Lesik told the board they want the district to prioritize inclusion in both extracurricular activities and classroom programming.
Hartman asked the district to allow her son, Noah — a rising 10th grader with autism — to participate on the NAI swim team and requested accommodations such as a pre-tryout pool tour and a meeting with coaches so Noah can become familiar with the environment. She said she had spoken with athletic director Bob Bizzuto, who offered follow-up ideas and planned further communication. "Inclusion in extracurricular activities like swim team offers numerous benefits for children with special needs," Hartman said.
Ursula Lesik urged the board to view disability as diversity and to avoid segregated classrooms and pull-out services where possible, saying inclusive classrooms better reflect community and workplace realities and benefit all learners. Both speakers asked the board to incorporate inclusion goals into district planning and athletics policies.
Board members and administration acknowledged the comments; the athletic director was reported to have spoken to the parent and offered to follow up. The district did not take immediate action on a policy change at the meeting but indicated staff would continue related conversations with athletics and student-services teams.
