Empowering Inclusion: How KIT Is Transforming Disability Support Services
Kids Included Together (KIT), a nonprofit organization established in San Diego, CA, has been revolutionizing disability inclusion and behavior support training since 1997. With a mission to create a more inclusive world where every child can participate fully, KIT has become a beacon of hope for families, educators, and organizations seeking to embrace diversity and support children with disabilities or complex needs.
The Foundation of KIT's Mission
Kids Included Together (KIT) began its journey in 1997 with a simple yet profound vision: to ensure that children with disabilities or other complex needs are included in all aspects of community life. Over the past 25 years, KIT has evolved into a comprehensive resource that provides training, consultation, and support to organizations, schools, and communities across the United States and beyond.
The organization's approach is rooted in the belief that inclusion is not just a moral imperative but a practical necessity. By fostering environments where all children can thrive together, KIT helps build stronger, more resilient communities. Their work spans various settings, including schools, childcare centers, recreational programs, and military-affiliated youth programs.
Dynamic Online Training for Inclusive Practices
KIT provides dynamic online training that gives people who work with children a "want to, can do, and will do" attitude towards welcoming kids with disabilities or other complex needs. This comprehensive training program is designed to equip educators, caregivers, and program staff with the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to create truly inclusive environments.
The online training modules cover a wide range of topics, including:
- Understanding different types of disabilities and their impact on learning and participation
- Implementing positive behavior support strategies
- Creating accessible physical environments
- Adapting activities and materials for diverse needs
- Building collaborative relationships with families and support professionals
What sets KIT's training apart is its practical, hands-on approach. Participants learn through interactive modules, real-world case studies, and opportunities to practice new skills in simulated scenarios. The training emphasizes the importance of viewing each child as an individual with unique strengths and challenges, rather than focusing solely on their disability.
Knowledge Sharing Through Publications and Reports
KIT produces publications, articles, and reports to improve opportunities for children with disabilities or other complex needs. These resources serve as valuable tools for educators, policymakers, and families, providing evidence-based information and best practices in the field of inclusion.
Some of the key publications and resources developed by KIT include:
- Research briefs on emerging trends and effective practices in inclusion
- Best practice guides for creating inclusive environments
- Policy recommendations for improving access and equity in education and community programs
- Success stories and case studies highlighting innovative approaches to inclusion
These publications not only share KIT's expertise but also contribute to the broader conversation about disability rights and inclusion. By disseminating this knowledge, KIT helps to shape policies and practices that benefit children with disabilities across the country.
Expert Consultation and Support Services
KIT also provides observations, consultations, and recommendations to ensure organizations are confident in serving all children. This personalized support service is designed to help organizations assess their current practices, identify areas for improvement, and develop tailored strategies for enhancing inclusion.
The consultation process typically involves:
- Initial assessment of the organization's current inclusion practices
- On-site observations of programs and interactions with children
- Detailed analysis of strengths and areas for improvement
- Development of a customized action plan
- Ongoing support and follow-up to ensure successful implementation
KIT's team of experts brings a wealth of experience in special education, child development, and inclusive practices. They work closely with organizations to address specific challenges and provide practical solutions that can be implemented immediately. This hands-on approach ensures that the recommendations are not just theoretical but can be effectively integrated into existing programs and practices.
Supporting KIT's Mission Through Donations
Donate to KIT and invest in disability inclusion. Your support helps us ensure that Kids Included Together spreads the mission of disability inclusion everywhere. As a nonprofit organization, KIT relies on the generosity of donors to continue its vital work in promoting inclusion and supporting children with disabilities.
There are several ways to support KIT's mission:
- One-time donations: Make a single contribution to support KIT's ongoing programs and initiatives.
- Monthly giving: Become a monthly donor to provide sustained support for KIT's work.
- Corporate partnerships: Explore opportunities for your organization to partner with KIT through sponsorships or matching gift programs.
- In-kind donations: Contribute resources or services that can help KIT expand its reach and impact.
Every donation, no matter the size, makes a difference in the lives of children with disabilities and their families. By supporting KIT, you're investing in a future where all children have the opportunity to learn, play, and grow together in inclusive environments.
Connecting with KIT's Expert Team
Please click on the appropriate image to direct your inquiry to the correct KIT team member. KIT understands that each organization or individual may have unique needs and questions. To ensure that you receive the most relevant and helpful information, they have organized their team into specialized areas of expertise.
Whether you're seeking information about training programs, looking for consultation services, or have questions about KIT's publications, you can easily connect with the right team member by selecting the appropriate image on their website. This streamlined approach ensures that your inquiry is directed to someone who can provide the most accurate and helpful response.
Specialized Support for Military Families
Please note, regardless of your organization or military branch, click here to be directed to the KIT. KIT recognizes the unique challenges faced by military families and has developed specialized programs to support children with disabilities in military-affiliated programs. These programs are designed to address the specific needs of military children, who may face additional challenges due to frequent relocations and deployments.
KIT's military support services include:
- Training for military childcare providers and youth program staff
- Consultation services for military-affiliated organizations
- Resources specifically tailored to the needs of military families
- Partnerships with military branches to promote inclusion across all youth programs
By clicking the provided link, military families and organizations can access a wealth of resources and support services designed to ensure that all military children have access to inclusive and supportive environments, regardless of their location or circumstances.
Comprehensive Training Through KIT Academy
Please note, regardless of your organization or military branch, click here to be directed to the KIT Academy form. KIT Academy is the organization's comprehensive online learning platform, offering a wide range of courses and resources for individuals and organizations committed to promoting inclusion.
The KIT Academy provides:
- Self-paced online courses on various aspects of inclusion and disability support
- Live webinars featuring experts in the field of special education and inclusion
- Certification programs for professionals seeking to enhance their expertise in inclusive practices
- Resources and tools that can be immediately applied in real-world settings
By completing the KIT Academy form, you can gain access to this wealth of knowledge and resources. Whether you're an educator looking to enhance your skills, a parent seeking to better understand your child's needs, or an organization committed to improving your inclusion practices, KIT Academy offers the tools and support you need to succeed.
The Impact of KIT's Work
Since its inception, KIT has made a significant impact on the lives of children with disabilities and their families. Through its comprehensive approach to training, consultation, and support, KIT has helped create more inclusive environments in schools, childcare centers, and community programs across the country.
Some key achievements of KIT include:
- Training over 100,000 professionals in inclusive practices
- Supporting inclusion in over 600 organizations
- Developing partnerships with major corporations and government agencies to promote disability inclusion
- Creating a network of inclusive programs that serve as models for communities nationwide
The success of KIT's programs is evident in the stories of children who have been able to fully participate in their communities, families who have found the support they need, and educators who have gained the confidence to welcome all children into their programs.
Looking to the Future
As KIT continues to grow and evolve, its commitment to creating a more inclusive world remains steadfast. The organization is constantly exploring new ways to expand its reach and enhance its impact, including:
- Developing new training modules to address emerging issues in inclusion
- Expanding partnerships with organizations and communities to promote disability inclusion
- Advocating for policies that support the rights and needs of children with disabilities
- Leveraging technology to make resources more accessible to a wider audience
By staying at the forefront of research and best practices in inclusion, KIT ensures that it continues to provide the most effective and relevant support to children with disabilities and the professionals who serve them.
Conclusion
Kids Included Together (KIT) has been a driving force in promoting disability inclusion and support for over 25 years. Through its comprehensive training programs, expert consultation services, and commitment to knowledge sharing, KIT has transformed the way organizations and communities approach inclusion.
By providing the tools, resources, and support needed to create truly inclusive environments, KIT is helping to build a world where all children, regardless of their abilities, can learn, play, and grow together. Whether you're an educator, parent, or community leader, KIT offers the expertise and support you need to make inclusion a reality in your sphere of influence.
As we look to the future, the work of organizations like KIT becomes increasingly important. In a world that is becoming more diverse and interconnected, the ability to embrace and support all individuals is crucial. By supporting KIT's mission through donations, training, or advocacy, you can play a vital role in creating a more inclusive society for generations to come.
