Together, We Are Able is a powerful program that promotes social inclusion and acceptance on school campuses nationally and internationally.
“Playing with my buddy taught me that you, of anyone, shouldn’t judge a person
with a disability as different from you because we all have disabilities.” Hannah, age
10
“Together, We Are Able”® is an interactive social inclusion program that
encourages children with typical abilities to move beyond common stereotypes
toward people with disabilities. The goals of the program are to:
• Learn to va
lue and appreciate diversity
• Examine and dispel the myths and misconceptions about disabilities
• Discover the common ground that students with and without disabilities
share
• Strengthen life skills such as communication, observation, listening,
patience, and acceptance
Classroom Workshop: In the greater Los Angeles area, our trained staff will
come to the classroom and facilitate an age-appropriate ability awareness
workshop that includes a hands-on activity, group discussion, written reflections,
and an inspirational video. Interactive Field Trip: We will coordinate a field trip to a Shane’s Inspiration
Inclusive Playground, which pairs students with their peers with disabilities at
one of our playgrounds. The students spend a half day playing with and learning
from each other. Our staff bring toys and games to help students connect
through play. Classroom Follow-Up: Our staff return to the classroom for a debriefing, which
gives students a chance to examine how their thoughts and feelings towards
people with disabilities and towards themselves have changed. Extension Activities: For those interested in a more in-depth program, Shane’s
Inspiration offers the following ability-awareness themed activities:
• A humanities-based academic curriculum tied to Common Core
Standards that continues the awareness
• A take-home guide for parents of children with typical abilities
• An internet-based buddy program that continues the classroom
connection
• A School Inclusion Lunch Box that allows schools to self-deliver the
program
Professional Development: Our staff can come to your school and host a one-
hour, interactive staff workshop that helps participants understand the need for
and impact of supporting social inclusion for children with disabilities.
04/07/2026
Soft sand, different textures, little hands exploring 🤲✨
Sensory play isn’t just about keeping kids busy—it helps them feel calm, stay present, and make sense of the world around them. What looks like simple scooping, pouring, and repeating is actually powerful learning in action.
It creates space for children to regulate, connect, and engage in ways that feel right for them—no pressure, just play. And sometimes, that’s exactly what they need.
At Inclusion Matters by Shane's Inspiration, we believe play should meet every child where they are.
11/19/2025
11/15/2025
🌟 Celebrate World Children’s Day with Us! 🌟
Inclusion Matters by Shane’s Inspiration is proud to partner with UNICEF and Six Seconds to honor World Children’s Day on Thursday, November 20th — a global moment “for children, by children” that amplifies young voices and champions their rights.
Join 1.5 million children and adults around the world in moments — because every child deserves to be seen, heard, and empowered.
🎉 Want to join us?
✅ Celebrate with your kids through play-based activities
✅ Share your creations and voices on social media
✅ Tag and to be recognized by the UNICEF World Children’s Day team and our global community
Download a free kit to get started: 6sec.org/popup25
Let’s build a world where every child is included, safe, and free to fulfill their potential. 💛
📍 Tag us at:
📘 Facebook:
📸 Instagram:
10/09/2025
Inclusion is where imagination meets empathy. 💫
A quiet moment between two buddies on an inclusive swing — a shared gaze, a spark of connection, and the pure joy of being seen.
This is what our Together, We Are Able field trips are all about. The experience may last a day, but the impact lasts a lifetime.
At Inclusion Matters by Shane’s Inspiration, we believe in the power of inclusive play to change hearts and minds. 💙
10/05/2025
07/28/2025
Go Carina!
07/06/2025
Coach White led a fun and engaging Orienteering Counting Cones session that brought together an upper ID class and 5th grade general education students.
Through this peer buddy activity, students worked on counting, spatial awareness, and teamwork—blending math into PE in an inclusive and active way! 💙
06/08/2025
“We always play together.” “He makes me laugh.” “She’s my best friend.” 💙
On National Best Friends Day, we’re celebrating the joy and impact of friendship—just like these three amazing buddies who remind us how powerful it is to feel connected and included.
Friendships like theirs build confidence, boost self-esteem, and make school and play so much more meaningful. Every child deserves that kind of bond.
Let’s keep creating spaces where friendships can grow—because inclusion starts with connection.
06/02/2025
🎉 Inclusion in Action at Stanley Mosk Elementary! 💙
We’re proud to spotlight Stanley Mosk Elementary for their amazing commitment to inclusion—both in the classroom and on the playground! From buddy partnerships to collaborative learning, this campus is creating a space where every student feels seen, supported, and celebrated.
💬 In this video, hear directly from their students as they share what inclusion means to them—and how they’re embracing it every day with kindness, empathy, and friendship.
👏 Thank you to the incredible educators and students at Stanley Mosk for showing us how inclusion comes to life through everyday actions!
05/17/2025
🧡 Together We Are Able reminds us: play is better with a friend!
These two buddies teamed up during their inclusive field trip—and proved that when it comes to friendship, two is better than one. 💫 Whether it's pushing a swing, sharing a laugh, or just being present, small moments of connection make a big impact.
05/06/2025
At Toluca Lake Elementary in North Hollywood, inclusive play came to life through a special integrated recess facilitated by Inclusion Matters’ Education Department. Students of all abilities joined together in shared play activities that fostered empathy, teamwork, and meaningful friendships. Using buddy systems and sensory-friendly games, the event promoted a sense of belonging and showcased how inclusive recess can help every child feel seen, supported, and engaged.
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“Playing with my buddy taught me that you, of anyone, shouldn’t judge a person
with a disability as different from you because we all have disabilities.” - Together, We Are Able Social Inclusion Education Program Participant - age 10
“Together, We Are Able”® is an interactive social inclusion program that
encourages children with typical abilities to move beyond common stereotypes
toward people with disabilities.
The goals of the program are to:
• Learn to value and appreciate diversity
• Examine and dispel the myths and misconceptions about disabilities
• Discover the common ground that students with & without disabilities share
• Strengthen life skills such as communication, observation, listening,
patience, and acceptance
Step 1: Ability Awareness Workshop
In the greater Los Angeles area, our trained staff will come to the classroom and facilitate an age-appropriate workshop that includes a hands-on activity, group discussion, written reflections, and an inspirational video.
Step 2: Interactive Field Trip
We will coordinate a field trip to one of our programmed Shane’s Inspiration Inclusive Playgrounds, which pairs students with and without disabilities for a day of play and connection. Our staff brings toys and games to bridge the interaction.
Step 3: Post-Field Trip Workshop
Our staff return to the classroom for a debriefing, which gives students a chance to examine how their thoughts and feelings towards people with disabilities and towards themselves have changed.
FREE Social Inclusion Resources: For those interested in bringing this program to your classroom or community, Inclusion Matters by Shane’s Inspiration offers:
• SEL-based academic curriculum tied to Common Core Standards
• Modular training video series for parents, educators, or recreation personnel
Professional Development: Our staff can come to your school and host a one-hour, interactive staff workshop that helps participants understand the need for and impact of supporting social inclusion for children with disabilities.
