Publication / Jun 4, 2025

Advocating for Students with Disabilities: Strategic Framing Insights

By Julie Sweetland

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Advocating for Students with Disabilities: Strategic Framing Insights

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Reframing Strategies

1. Connect disability-specific needs to the conditions all students need to learn, develop, and thrive.

2. Focus on flawed systems and policies, not “bad actors.”

3. Unpack the chain of events that unfolds when children are isolated or restrained.

4. Speak directly to how implicit racial bias can compound the challenges children with disabilities face when it comes to classroom management.

5. Help people see that another way is possible.

6. Use explanatory stories, not sensational ones.

Summary

This guide is designed to equip school leaders and advocates with communication strategies to promote classroom climates that fully and fairly include students with disabilities.

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Advocating for Students with Disabilities: Strategic Framing Insights

Advocating for Students with Disabilities: Strategic Framing Insights

Reframing Strategies

1. Connect disability-specific needs to the conditions all students need to learn, develop, and thrive.

2. Focus on flawed systems and policies, not “bad actors.”

3. Unpack the chain of events that unfolds when children are isolated or restrained.

4. Speak directly to how implicit racial bias can compound the challenges children with disabilities face when it comes to classroom management.

5. Help people see that another way is possible.

6. Use explanatory stories, not sensational ones.

Summary

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