Clay Aiken and Christie Cookies – what could be better? How about raising funds for a very worthwhile foundation, the National Inclusion Project. Here are a few reasons why.
The mission of the National Inclusion Project is:
The National Inclusion Project serves to bridge the gap that exists between young people with special needs and the world around them. We support communities and programs in creating awareness and opportunities for full inclusion where barriers break and doors open. It is our goal to create an environment for children where inclusion is embraced.
How does the National Inclusion Project work toward full inclusion? The following is just a sampling:
Let’s All Play:
This program provides recreational sites with an inclusive model and the needed training to include children of all abilities.
K-12 Inclusive Learning:
A detailed inclusive class curriculum for elementary, middle and high school levels. The curriculum culminates in an inclusive learning project that benefits the community.
Our Friend Mikayla:
Our Friend Mikayla, in its second printing, was written and illustrated by third-grade students. The book chronicles their reaction to a
classmate with a disability, their barriers to acceptance, and the friendship
they formed with Mikayla.
The above are only a sample of what the National Inclusion Project has to offer. For more information, please visit their website at National Inclusion Project.org
Here is some additional food for thought: The odds of being diagnosed with autism is One in 150. The most common form of Muscular Dystrophy affects about 1 in every 3,500 (boys). The Incidence of Downs Syndrome is about 1 per 800 to 1,000 births.
These are real children and real families having to deal with a world where inclusion is not the norm. The National Inclusion Project is working toward making the dream of inclusion a reality. All children deserve the chance to play, the chance for an education and the chance for acceptance.
Here is a chance to help – please vote for National Inclusion Project at the Christie Cookie Charity Competition. One vote per valid email address. Your vote helps thousands of children – children with physical disabilities, children with mental disabilities and also typically functioning children. With education and exposure, fear and intolerance disappear.
A very informative article, I admire Clay Aiken for his charity work, so I hope anyone who visits here will vote for National Inclusion Project and Christie Cookie.
The video is also great! Love the song.
Thank you for the great blog. Clay Aiken's resume of charitable work is never ending. The National Inclusion Project truly deserves to win the Christie Cookie Charity Giveaway!
Thanks for explaining how the National Inclusion Project is providing services for inclusion. There was a need for this service when Clay Aiken and Diane Bubel first formed TBAF.
This is from Clay Aiken's heart to work with those with disabilities who have suffered from exclusion.
I voted for the National Inclusion project and encouraged family and friends to vote for this worthty organization.
Wonderful blog, sue! Clay Aiken's foundation is a worthy contender in the Christie Cookie Charity Giveaway. I hope the foundation continues to do well and the votes keep coming in!
SueReu,
Excellent blog about the National Inclusion Project, co-founded by Clay Aiken and Diane Bubel! Hopefully, many will read it and join us in voting for a donation in the charity giveaway; $10k or $5k would be go a long way in funding programs of inclusion.
Caro
great article !
Clay has help me become a better person.
Thanks again for another wonderful entry. Always a supporter of the National Inclusion Project. The work they've done has been incredible over the years and so many children and their families have been touched by the wonderful work they've done. I hope that people that may not be familiar with the work will check out the inclusion project's website. Even if there is another charity that is near and dear to their heart, at least they have an opportunity to learn more about what the Inclusion Project is all about.
Keep up the good work, and GO! Inclusion Project. Congratulations.
Thanks for all the information you provide. I've already cast my vote for the Inclusion Project.