Keynote Speaker Paula Kluth

Dr. Paula Kluth is a consultant, teacher, author, advocate, and independent scholar who works with teachers and families to provide inclusive opportunities for students with disabilities and to create more responsive and engaging schooling experiences for all learners.  Her research and professional interests include differentiating instruction, and supporting students with autism and significant disabilities in inclusive classrooms.

Paula is a former special educator who has served as a classroom teacher, consulting teacher, and inclusion facilitator.  She works with teachers in K-12 schools, pre-schools, and early intervention programs.  She also regularly works with family organizations and disability-rights and advocacy groups.

She is the author of “You’re Going to Love This Kid”: Teaching Students with Autism in the Inclusive Classroom ; the lead editor of Access to Academics: Critical Approaches to Inclusive Curriculum, Instruction, and Policy, and the co-author of four upcoming texts: A Land We Can Share: The Literate Lives of Students with Autism; Joyful Learning: Active and Collaborative Structures for the Inclusive Classroom; You’re Welcome: 30 Innovative Ideas for Inclusive Schools, and Just Give Him the Whale: 20 Ways to Support & Honor the Interests of Students with Autism.

Our 40th Anniversary Conference and Dinner were wonderful!

2009 marked the 40th Anniversary of Jowonio! The school was founded in 1969 by a small group of visionary parents who wanted an individualized educational approach for their children. From the beginning, Jowonio accepted a wide range of children, operating an inclusive educational program where typical children and children with special needs learn together in the same classrooms. Jowonio embraces ethnic, social, and economic diversity, welcoming families from all backgrounds and cultures. Today, with a dedicated staff that includes certified teachers, therapists, and social workers, Jowonio serves 180 young children and their families each year, and is nationally recognized as a model for inclusive education.

On October 16, 2009, we recognized this landmark anniversary with two special events, both open to the public.

Celebrating the Promise of Inclusive Communities was a one-day educational conference for educators, therapists, parents and others working toward an inclusive society. We were delighted to present
Dr. Paula Kluth as the Keynote Speaker for this significant conference.
An author of six celebrated books, and nationally recognized as a leading expert in the fields of inclusive education and autism, Kluth is in great demand as a speaker, consultant and teacher. The conference was held 8:15 am - 4:00 pm at the Holiday Inn in Liverpool, and included break-out sessions on inclusion from childhood through adulthood. Attendees were able to choose from a variety of presentations to meet their interests and educational needs.

The day culminated with a joyous 40th Anniversary Dinner for Jowonio’s current and former students, families, staff and friends, who
will gather to celebrate and share the school’s remarkable achievements
in the field of inclusive education. The dinner, 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm at
the Liverpool Holiday Inn, also honored several community individuals who have provided outstanding service to children and adults with special needs. Entertainment was provided by the inclusive Syracuse Community Choir, whose diverse membership includes Jowonio alumni, parents, and staff.