TASH has been shortlisted by the Zero Project for Inclusive Education Innovation!
In June, The Zero Project 2016 put out a call for nominations for its selection process of Innovative Policies and Practices. The Zero Project researches the status of the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN CRPD) around the world. They focus on a solutions-based approach and provide a platform where the most innovative and effective solutions to problems that persons with disabilities face are shared. This year, its focus is on inclusive education and Information and Communication Technologies (ICT).
In response to this call, the TASH International Committee nominated TASH’s work with the School Wide Integrated Framework for Transformation (SWIFT) Center, specifically its ongoing project on Policy Analysis and Alignment. The mission of this project is to leverage policy analysis and alignment to support the sustainability and scale-up efforts of U.S. State Education Agencies (SEAs) to implement school wide inclusive practices that improve the academic and behavioral outcomes of ALL children, including students living in poverty, English language learners, and students with disabilities, especially those with significant disabilities and support needs. The SWIFT approach to policy alignment provides a constructive path to change by supporting the implementation of evidence-based and research-based practices through policy.
The Zero Project team, with the help of its partners and over 2,000 experts, has currently shortlisted all nominations, based on its three criteria: innovation, impact, and scalability.
The Zero Project received 337 nominations from 98 different countries. This is the biggest collection of innovations on education and ICT for people with disabilities ever assembled – and TASH’s work is one of 200 that was shortlisted!
The selection process will continue into January 2016 when all “Innovative Practices and Policies of the Zero Project 2016” are announced. They will be published online and featured in the Zero Project Report, which will be available for free download.