Kids Included Together: Empowering Disability Inclusion Since 1997
Creating inclusive environments for children with disabilities requires dedication, knowledge, and practical tools. Kids Included Together (KIT) has been at the forefront of this mission since 1997, transforming how organizations and individuals approach disability inclusion and behavior support. Through comprehensive training, resources, and consultation services, KIT has established itself as a trusted leader in creating welcoming spaces where every child can thrive.
The Mission and History of Kids Included Together
Kids Included Together, headquartered in San Diego, California, has dedicated nearly three decades to advancing disability inclusion across various settings. Established in 1997, this nonprofit organization recognized early on that true inclusion goes beyond mere accommodation—it requires a fundamental shift in attitudes, practices, and organizational cultures. KIT's approach focuses on empowering those who work directly with children, providing them with the confidence and competence needed to welcome kids with disabilities or other complex needs.
The organization's longevity speaks to its effectiveness and the growing recognition of inclusion as a critical component of child development and community building. Over the years, KIT has evolved from a local initiative to a nationally recognized authority, influencing policies and practices in schools, recreational programs, faith-based organizations, and military child and youth programs across the United States.
Dynamic Online Training Programs
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 approach addresses not just the technical skills required but also the mindset and motivation necessary for successful inclusion. The training modules are designed to be accessible, engaging, and immediately applicable, allowing participants to implement new strategies in real-world settings.
The online platform offers flexibility for busy professionals, including interactive modules, video demonstrations, case studies, and downloadable resources. Participants learn evidence-based strategies for supporting children with various disabilities, including autism spectrum disorders, learning disabilities, physical disabilities, and behavioral challenges. The training emphasizes practical solutions that can be implemented immediately, regardless of the participant's previous experience with disability inclusion.
Comprehensive Resource Development
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, program directors, parents, and advocates seeking to create more inclusive environments. The publications cover a wide range of topics, from specific disability-related strategies to broader inclusion best practices and policy recommendations.
The organization's commitment to research-based information ensures that all materials reflect current best practices and emerging trends in the field of disability inclusion. Regular updates and new publications keep the community informed about innovative approaches and successful strategies from across the country. These resources are available through the KIT website and are often used as reference materials in professional development programs and academic courses.
Expert Consultation and Support Services
KIT also provides observations, consultations, and recommendations to ensure organizations are confident in serving children with diverse needs. This personalized support service allows organizations to receive tailored guidance specific to their unique challenges and circumstances. Expert consultants visit programs, observe current practices, and provide detailed recommendations for improvement.
The consultation process typically includes comprehensive assessments of existing policies, staff training needs, physical accessibility, and program adaptations. KIT consultants work collaboratively with organizational leaders to develop action plans that address identified gaps while building on existing strengths. This hands-on approach ensures that recommendations are practical, sustainable, and aligned with the organization's mission and resources.
Supporting the 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 individuals, corporations, and foundations to continue providing essential services and resources to communities across the nation.
Donations support various aspects of KIT's work, including the development of new training materials, expansion of online learning platforms, provision of free resources to under-resourced organizations, and maintenance of expert consultation services. Every contribution helps KIT reach more children, train more professionals, and create more inclusive environments where all kids can participate fully and meaningfully.
Connecting with KIT Services
Please click on the appropriate image to direct your inquiry to the correct KIT team member. KIT has organized its services to ensure that individuals and organizations can easily access the specific support they need. Whether you're seeking training, consultation, resources, or partnership opportunities, the website provides clear pathways to connect with the right team members who can address your specific needs and questions.
The user-friendly interface allows visitors to navigate directly to the services most relevant to their situation. Images and clear labeling guide users to training registration, consultation requests, resource downloads, or general information inquiries. This streamlined approach ensures that help is readily available and that inquiries are directed to the most appropriate experts within the organization.
Military and Organizational Partnerships
Please note, regardless of your organization or military branch, click here to be directed to the KIT Academy. KIT has established strong partnerships with military child and youth programs across all branches of the armed forces. These partnerships recognize the unique challenges faced by military families, who often deal with frequent relocations, deployment stress, and limited access to specialized services.
The KIT Academy provides specialized training and resources designed specifically for military child development centers, youth programs, and family support services. This military-focused approach ensures that service members' children receive consistent, high-quality inclusion support regardless of where their families are stationed. The Academy's content addresses the particular needs of military-connected children while maintaining the high standards that KIT is known for across all its programs.
Ensuring Organizational Readiness
KIT also provides observations, consultations, and recommendations to ensure organizations are prepared to serve children with diverse needs effectively. This ongoing support helps organizations maintain high standards of inclusion while adapting to changing circumstances and emerging best practices. Regular assessments and updates ensure that programs remain responsive to the evolving needs of the children and families they serve.
The organization readiness process includes comprehensive evaluations of staff competencies, program policies, physical environments, and community partnerships. KIT works with organizations to identify areas for improvement and develop strategic plans for enhancement. This continuous improvement approach ensures that inclusion becomes embedded in organizational culture rather than treated as an add-on or temporary initiative.
Getting Started with KIT
Please note, regardless of your organization or military branch, click here to be directed to the KIT. Starting your inclusion journey with KIT is straightforward and accessible. The organization has designed multiple entry points to accommodate different needs, experience levels, and organizational contexts. Whether you're an individual seeking personal development, a program director looking to enhance your organization's practices, or a military leader responsible for child and youth programs, KIT provides clear pathways to get started.
The initial engagement might include a self-assessment, participation in online training, consultation request, or resource download. KIT's team is available to guide new partners through the process and help identify the most appropriate services based on specific goals and circumstances. The organization's commitment to accessibility ensures that geographic location, budget constraints, or previous experience levels don't become barriers to accessing quality inclusion support.
The Impact of Inclusion
The work of Kids Included Together extends far beyond individual training sessions or consultation visits. Each interaction contributes to a broader movement toward genuine inclusion in all aspects of community life. When children with disabilities are included meaningfully in programs alongside their peers, the benefits extend to all participants, families, and communities.
Research consistently demonstrates that inclusive environments promote social skill development, reduce stigma, and prepare all children for diverse workplaces and communities. KIT's approach recognizes that inclusion is not just about supporting children with disabilities but about creating richer, more diverse learning environments that benefit everyone involved. The organization's work helps build communities where differences are valued and all children have opportunities to contribute their unique strengths.
Conclusion
Kids Included Together has established itself as an essential resource in the disability inclusion movement, providing the training, resources, and support needed to create truly welcoming environments for all children. Since 1997, KIT has demonstrated that with the right tools, knowledge, and commitment, meaningful inclusion is achievable in any setting.
The organization's comprehensive approach—combining online training, resource development, expert consultation, and community partnerships—ensures that professionals across various sectors have access to the support they need. As awareness of the importance of inclusion continues to grow, KIT remains at the forefront, helping organizations transform their practices and attitudes toward disability.
Whether you're just beginning your inclusion journey or looking to enhance existing practices, Kids Included Together offers the expertise, resources, and support to help you succeed. By investing in disability inclusion through KIT's programs and services, you're not just improving individual programs—you're contributing to a more inclusive society where every child has the opportunity to thrive.
