DEIB Articles and Advice
Welcome to our DEIB Resource Hub!
This is your go-to spot for tips, ideas, and inspiration to make Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) a natural part of your world. Whether you’re in the school setting or just navigating everyday life, we’ve got resources to help you create spaces where everyone feels they truly belong. Dive in and discover strategies to create environments where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to thrive.
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As the days get shorter and the weather gets colder, there’s no denying that winter is here—and with it comes an incredible mix of holidays, traditions, and cultural celebrations. For teachers and school specialists, this season offers far more than festive fun. It’s an opportunity to create learning environments where every student feels seen, valued, and respected.
Whether you’re working with students in classrooms, small groups, or individual sessions, the way you approach the winter season can shape how students experience this time of year—not just academically, but emotionally and socially.
Honoring the Different Ways Students Connect With the Season
One important step toward inclusivity is acknowledging that winter doesn’t look the same for every family. Some students celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Diwali, the Winter Solstice or something entirely different. Others may not celebrate holidays at all.
Rather than spotlighting a single holiday, try expanding your winter lens. When students see their own traditions represented - and are invited to learn about others’ - it naturally builds curiosity, respect, and connection. And remember: you don’t need to know everything. Simply expressing interest and openness goes a long way.
Bringing Diverse Traditions Into Instruction and Sessions
Winter is a wonderful time to introduce culturally diverse ideas into your lessons or therapy activities. You might explore meaningful traditions, explore various holidays and seasonal stories from around the world, or simple discussions about how different communities recognize this time of year. These kinds of activities naturally support language development, comprehension, social-emotional skills, and cultural awareness - all while honoring the diversity within your school community.
Setting the Tone With Inclusive Learning Environments
The look and feel of your classroom or therapy space matter, especially this time of year. Inclusive decorating doesn’t mean avoiding joy - it simply means being mindful. Instead of holiday-specific displays, you might lean into winter themes like animals, nature, or cozy seasonal imagery.
A space that doesn’t assume one “right” way to celebrate helps every student feel comfortable and welcomed.
Inviting Students to Share Their Winter Experiences
Students love sharing pieces of their lives - especially when those experiences are validated and celebrated. Invite them to bring stories, traditions, art, or memories into your classroom or sessions. Give them options, and make participation completely voluntary.
You’ll be amazed at how much students learn from one another when given the chance.
Leading With Curiosity, Not Assumptions
Some holiday-related questions may unintentionally exclude students or make them feel pressured to share. Instead, try inclusive prompts like:
“Do you have any traditions or routines you enjoy this time of year?”
“Are there holidays or practices that are meaningful to you or your family?”
“What does winter look like at home?”
These open doors - without making assumptions.
Supporting Students Who Find This Season Difficult
Not every student feels excited about winter break. Some may experience grief, anxiety, sensory overload, or family challenges. Changes in routine can be particularly difficult for some learners.
As teachers and specialists, you often notice these shifts before anyone else. Simple check-ins can make a world of difference:
“How are you feeling about this time of year?”
“What helps you feel comfortable during busy days?”
We can respond with empathy, validate their feelings, and offer alternatives for students who prefer not to engage in holiday-themed activities.
Offering Participation Without Pressure
Flexibility is key. Some students may love holiday crafts and celebrations, while others may want (or need) something different. Consider offering:
Winter-themed art that’s not tied to a specific holiday
Multi-cultural winter stories
Sensory-friendly seasonal activities
Choice-based projects with room for personalization
Choice empowers students to engage in ways that feel meaningful and safe.
Building Compassionate and Inclusive School Communities
At the heart of winter inclusivity is one simple truth: students thrive when they feel seen and respected. Teachers and school specialists play a powerful role in shaping that experience.
By embracing diverse traditions, listening with curiosity, and creating emotionally supportive spaces, you help build a school environment where every student can shine - during the winter season and all year long.
So as the season unfolds, let’s celebrate not just holidays, but humanity: kindness, compassion, learning, and connection.
Caring for Yourself This Season
As we focus on supporting our students, we also want to also acknowledge that the holiday season can be emotionally complex for many of us as adults, too.
It’s completely okay if this time of year brings up feelings of stress, grief, loneliness, or anything in between. Please remember to take care of yourself and give yourself the same compassion you offer to others. You are not alone—our team is here to support you.
All Ampersand Therapy staff have access to three free therapy and counseling services through Magellan, and if you ever need help navigating resources or aren’t sure where to start, you can always reach out to [email protected] for guidance.
Your well-being matters, and we are here for you.
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In today’s world, fostering inclusive and equitable environments is so important! This is where DEIB—Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging—comes into play. These four pillars are not just buzzwords but essential frameworks for creating spaces where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to thrive. Let’s break down what each term means:
Diversity: The presence of varied identities, backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences within a group.
Equity: Ensuring fair treatment, access, and opportunities by addressing systemic barriers and disparities.
Inclusion: Actively creating an environment where all individuals feel welcomed and valued.
Belonging: Cultivating a sense of acceptance and connection so that individuals feel integral to the community.
When integrated thoughtfully, DEIB practices can transform not only schools but also everyday interactions.
Implementing DEIB in a School Setting
Schools play a pivotal role in shaping future generations. By embedding DEIB principles into education, we can foster empathy, understanding, and social responsibility. Here are some actionable ways to integrate DEIB into a school setting:
Inclusive Curriculum: Design lessons that reflect diverse cultures, histories, and perspectives. This could include books by authors from underrepresented communities or discussions about global issues.
Equitable Policies: Review school policies to ensure they promote fairness. For instance, address disparities in disciplinary actions and provide resources for students from marginalized backgrounds.
Safe Spaces: Create environments where students feel comfortable expressing themselves and sharing their experiences without fear of judgment.
Student-Led Initiatives: Encourage clubs, events, or projects that celebrate diversity and promote inclusion, such as cultural fairs or peer mentoring programs.
Incorporating DEIB Into Everyday Life
Beyond school settings, practicing DEIB in daily life can create ripple effects of positive change. Here are some ways to do this:
Self-Education: Commit to learning about the experiences and challenges of different communities. Read books, watch documentaries, or attend workshops.
Active Listening: When engaging with others, especially those whose backgrounds differ from your own, listen without judgment and seek to understand their perspectives.
Challenge Bias: Recognize and confront your biases. This might mean reevaluating assumptions or speaking up when you witness discrimination.
Support Diverse Businesses: Make a conscious effort to support businesses owned by people from underrepresented groups.
Practice Empathy: Approach situations with compassion and an open mind, striving to build connections and understanding.
Why DEIB Matters
Integrating DEIB into schools and everyday life is not just about addressing disparities; it’s about enriching our communities. Diversity brings innovation, equity ensures fairness, inclusion fosters collaboration, and belonging builds trust. By embracing these principles, we can create a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
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The Power of Language: Inclusive Practices for School-Based Professionals
At Ampersand Therapy, we know that words matter—a lot. The way we talk can shape how people feel, build stronger connections, and create spaces where everyone feels like they belong. As school-based professionals, we get to lead the way by using inclusive language in our classrooms and with our teammates.
When someone offers a more inclusive phrase, it’s not about being corrected—it’s about making a connection. It’s a chance to grow, be more thoughtful, and make sure everyone feels seen and respected. Even small changes in how we speak can have a big, positive impact on students, coworkers, and the whole school community.
Here are some simple, powerful inclusive language tips you can start using right away at school:
Gender-Neutral Terms
Avoid language that assumes binary gender.
❌ “Hey guys!”
✅ “Hey everyone!” or “Hey team!”This small switch helps every student and colleague feel acknowledged, regardless of gender identity.
Avoiding Ableist Language
Common phrases may unintentionally marginalize people with disabilities. Consider alternatives that are both accurate and respectful.
❌ “I’m so OCD about this.”
✅ “I like things to be organized.”❌ “Turn a blind eye.”
✅ “Ignore” or “Overlook.”As educators and advocates, using respectful language reinforces dignity and inclusivity for all students.
Using Inclusive Pronouns
When unsure of someone’s pronouns, it’s best to default to they/them until clarified.
Introduce yourself with your pronouns to model inclusion (e.g., “Hi, I’m Jordan, and I use they/them pronouns.”)
❌ “She or he will help you.”
✅ “They will help you.”❌ “Chairman.”
✅ “Chairperson” or “Chair.”This small change can create a safer, more welcoming environment for students and staff across the gender spectrum.
Culturally Sensitive Language
Some phrases may carry racial or class-based stereotypes. It’s important to rethink how we describe things and offer compliments.
❌ “That’s so ghetto.”
✅ “That’s outdated” or “That’s low-quality.”❌ “You’re so articulate!”
✅ “You explained that really well!”Our language should celebrate communication without reinforcing harmful assumptions.
Inclusive Family and Relationship Terms
Not all students come from a traditional nuclear family—and that’s okay.
❌ “Mom and Dad”
✅ “Guardians,” or “Caregivers”❌ “Husband/Wife”
✅ “Spouse” or “Partner”Using neutral terms ensures all family structures are respected and represented.
Use Language that Respects Individual Preference
Language shapes how we see others. Some people prefer person-first language (e.g., “a person with autism”), which emphasizes the individual before any condition or identity. Others prefer identity-first language (e.g., “an autistic person”), which embraces the identity as an integral part of who they are.
💬 Examples:
Person-first: “A person with autism”
Identity-first: “An autistic person”
Identity-first: “A Deaf student”
Person-first: “A student who is deaf”
There’s no universally “right” choice. The most respectful approach is to listen, ask when appropriate, and honor how someone identifies themselves.
Language is personal. Respecting preferences shows you care—and that never goes out of style.
Holiday and Cultural Awareness
Holidays offer a meaningful opportunity to celebrate culture, build community, and foster curiosity—but it’s essential to approach them with intention and inclusivity.
Educate, Don’t Just Decorate: Go beyond surface-level celebrations. Share the cultural significance behind holidays like Diwali, Eid al-Fitr, Lunar New Year, Juneteenth, Indigenous Peoples’ Day, and others. Help students understand why these days matter to the communities that honor them.
Use Inclusive, Non-Assumptive Language: Instead of saying “everyone loves Christmas,” try “some families celebrate Christmas, while others may observe different traditions or none at all.” This small shift signals that every student’s background is valid and valued.
Acknowledge a Wide Range of Traditions: Don’t center every classroom celebration, or school break, around dominant-culture holidays (e.g., say winter break instead of Christmas break). Make space to highlight underrepresented ones and invite students (when they’re comfortable) to share about traditions that are meaningful to them.
Creating an environment where diverse holidays and traditions are recognized not only teaches respect—it helps all students feel seen, safe, and empowered to express who they are.
Inclusive language is not about being perfect—it’s about being mindful. It’s about choosing words that uplift rather than exclude, that welcome rather than alienate. As school-based professionals, the way we speak is a powerful tool for shaping more equitable, compassionate communities.
Let’s keep growing together.
—The Ampersand Therapy Team
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Creating Safe Spaces and Empowering Students
Many of us know that our classrooms are filled with wonderful, unique students - each carrying their own stories and experiences. Research shows a significant number of children have faced trauma in their lives, often at school. These experiences can happen in many forms, including but not limited to: witnessing violence, experiencing emotional, verbal, or physical abuse or neglect, dealing with a caregiver’s mental health struggles or substance use, bullying, or other difficult events.
Trauma can influence how students communicate, learn, and connect with others. It may affect their ability to process information or manage their emotions, as well as processing language.
We may not always know what our students have been through, but as educators, it’s important to remember that we don’t need to know. Our role is to create an environment where all students feel safe, supported, and valued - regardless of their past experiences.
When we adopt trauma-sensitive approaches, we're not just helping students who have experienced trauma: we’re fostering a respectful, nurturing space that benefits everyone. Our shared goal is to build a community where every student feels secure and empowered to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
By being mindful, compassionate, and deliberate in our interactions, we can make a powerful difference in the lives of our students - one caring gesture at a time. Together, we can create classrooms that are truly safe havens for all children to grow and succeed.
Here are some initial ideas and strategies to get started:
Educate Yourself About Trauma: We can gain a deeper understanding of how trauma affects students and can influence their behaviors and needs. This valuable knowledge equips us to create a safe, nurturing, and supportive classroom environment for every student. Feel free to check out the resources provided at the end of this article to learn more about trauma and trauma-sensitive practices. For example, attending professional development trainings that address cultural and socio-economic factors influencing trauma can help us understand diverse student experiences. By exploring resources that highlight different cultural expressions of resilience and trauma, we can better support students from all backgrounds
Collaborate with Support Teams: We can collaborate closely with counselors, social workers, and administration to create consistent, school-wide approaches. Together, we can focus on developing strategies that help students build self-regulation skills and use effective techniques to support their emotional and behavioral growth. For example, collaborating with team members to share observations and create tailored plans helps us serve every student more effectively.
Create a Safe Environment: We can foster a classroom or therapy space that feels predictable, welcoming, and secure (for example, routine and consistency often can help reduce anxiety and make students feel comfortable sharing and expressing themselves). For example, establishing clear routines that consider students’ cultural practices or language needs, and providing visual schedules or quiet spaces can help all students feel more secure and respected in the classroom setting.
Build Trust and Show Empathy: We can show up for students and help build trust by actively listening, showing genuine interest, and respecting students’ boundaries. We can remember that challenging behaviors may be signals of trauma - and we can choose to approach all students with kindness and without judgment. For example, taking time to ask students about their interests and listening actively demonstrates genuine care. Recognizing that behaviors might be influenced by cultural expectations or trauma, and responding with patience and kindness, supports a trusting relationship.
Use Trauma-Informed Language: We can choose to be mindful of our tone, body language, and words, be aware of students’ emotional responses, and avoid shame-based language. We also can celebrate students’ strengths and successes to empower them with their wins (no matter how big or small!). For example, instead of saying “you’re being disruptive,” we might say, “I notice you’re upset right now; let’s work together on how you’re feeling.” Celebrating recent successes, like a student sharing their artwork or completing a task, reinforces their strengths and builds confidence.
Prioritize Self-Care and Boundaries: We can take care of our own mental health and set boundaries to maintain compassion and resilience. This includes knowing our personal limits regarding workload (and delegating tasks when possible), establishing work-life boundaries, maintaining our own physical well-being, and practicing self-compassion. For example, setting aside time for regular self-reflection or mindfulness practices helps maintain resilience (e.g. closing laptop at lunch break, or taking 15 minutes at beginning/end of day for self-care). Knowing when to step back or seek support—whether through supervision or peer support—ensures we can continue to show up with compassion for all students.
Additionally, we hope you find these following resources valuable. If you have any additional ones to share, please feel free to email us and let us know!:
The Trauma and Learning Policy Initiative https://traumasensitiveschools.org/
The National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) – https://www.nctsn.org/
The Book The Body Keeps the Score (by Bessel van der Kolk) is a book that details how trauma can affect the brain and body.
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As special education professionals, our core mission is to advocate for the academic and personal success of students with disabilities. We are deeply familiar with the systemic challenges these students face—whether navigating complex bureaucracies, fighting for appropriate accommodations, or confronting societal stigmas around disability. But to fully support our students, we must go a step further: we must consider the intersectionality of their identities.
Understanding Intersectionality in the Classroom
Intersectionality is the concept that individuals hold multiple, overlapping identities that interact in complex ways—often magnifying marginalization. For many students in special education, disability is just one piece of who they are. Queer and trans students, in particular, face unique challenges that often go unrecognized in traditional educational frameworks.
According to the Human Rights Campaign:
Approximately 36% of individuals with a disability also identify as queer.
Over 52% of transgender individuals report living with a disability.
The 2021 Trevor Project found that 5% of LGBTQ+ youth reported an autism diagnosis.
These statistics remind us that students don’t experience the world through just one lens. With many trans individuals also identifying as disabled, special education must evolve to reflect the intersection of identities, ensuring all students are seen, supported, and empowered.
Why It Matters in Special Education
In the United States, about 15% of public school students receive special education services, with roughly one-third of those students identified as having a learning disability. It’s likely that a meaningful percentage of these students also identify somewhere along the LGBTQ+ spectrum. When schools fail to recognize or support these identities, students face increased risks of bullying, mental health challenges, isolation, and academic disengagement.
Our role as educators is not just to deliver IEP services or adjust curriculum—it’s to advocate for the dignity, safety, and thriving of every student, including those at the intersection of queerness and disability.
Tangible Ways to Support Queer and Trans Students with Disabilities
Here are practical, actionable steps special education professionals can take to ensure a more inclusive and affirming learning environment:
While our collective goal is to advocate for and support queer and trans students with disabilities, it’s also important to collaborate with your school or district team to ensure alignment with local policies. Start by expressing your commitment to advocating for students' needs with administrators, and work together to create a thoughtful, informed course of action that both supports the student and aligns with policy guidance.
1. Create Safe and Affirming Classrooms
Display inclusive materials—posters, literature, and learning tools that reflect diverse identities.
Use students’ chosen names and pronouns consistently—after receiving their explicit permission to do so. Respect their privacy and autonomy in deciding when, where, and with whom this information is shared.
Explicitly state and model expectations for respectful, inclusive behavior.
2. Advocate for Inclusive Policy and Language
Review and revise IEP language to include gender-inclusive terms where appropriate.
Challenge disciplinary practices or policies that disproportionately harm queer or disabled students.
Collaborate with administrators to ensure school-wide policies recognize and support LGBTQ+ students with disabilities.
3. Educate Ourselves and Colleagues
Attend professional development focused on LGBTQ+ issues in education.
Share resources on disability justice and queer/trans inclusion with your team.
Normalize conversations about gender, sexuality, and disability in staff meetings and training spaces.
4. Center Student Voice
Empower students to express themselves through choice, self-advocacy, and leadership roles.
Include students in conversations about their accommodations and goals.
Respect and honor lived experience as valid and vital educational input.
5. Build Strong Relationships with Families and Communities
Partner with families in ways that are affirming and nonjudgmental.
Connect students and families with community resources that support LGBTQ+ individuals with disabilities.
Recognize the diversity of family structures and cultural understandings around gender and disability.
Moving Toward Holistic Advocacy
Supporting queer and trans students with disabilities requires more than compassion—it requires action, intentionality, and a commitment to equity. As special education professionals, we already know how to advocate, navigate systems, and individualize support. Now, we must use those same tools to ensure that every student’s full identity is seen, valued, and uplifted.
Let’s continue to build classrooms that don’t just accommodate, but celebrate our students' complex and beautiful identities.
Sources:
Hogan, J. (2024). Excelsior: Leadership in Teaching and Learning, Vol. 17(1). https://doi.org/10.14305/jn.19440413.2024.17.1.1
Human Rights Campaign. (n.d.). Understanding disability in the LGBTQ+ community. Human Rights Campaign. Retrieved June 13, 2025, from https://www.hrc.org/resources/understanding-disabled-lgbtq-people
The Trevor Project. (2021). National survey on LGBTQ youth mental health 2021: Affirming spaces. https://www.thetrevorproject.org/survey-2021/?section=AffirmingSpaces
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Getting to Know Students & Starting Strong for an Inclusive Year
The first days of school are full of fresh energy, new faces, and exciting possibilities. For special education professionals, these early moments are a golden opportunity to set the stage for a positive, inclusive year. With the mix of preparation, connection, and joy, you can create an environment where students feel supported, safe, and ready to shine.
Here’s how to start strong from day one:
1. Say Hello with Heart
Introduce yourself warmly. Share who you are, what you love, and how you’ll support your students. Keep it light and approachable. Example: “Hi, I’m Ms. Branch! I love board games, dogs, and helping students find their strengths. I’ll be here to support you.”
Add visuals. A fun “Meet Your Teacher/Support Person” handout with your name, picture, and a few of your favorite things: favorite snack, or hobbies. This can help break the ice.
Model communication. Use multiple formats (visuals, AAC, sign, gestures) so all students feel included right away. Example: Greet students verbally, then also point to a visual “Hello!” card or wave for a physical cue so multiple entry points are available.
2. Get to Know Students’ Superpowers
Review their plans. IEPs and 504s are your roadmap—start by noting goals, accommodations, and “must-haves.”Example: Highlight in yellow “must-have accommodations” like preferential seating or extended time so you don’t miss them.
Ask around. Connect with past teachers or staff to learn what helps your students thrive. Example: “Hey, last year, what really helped Student A transition back to class after recess?”
Check in with families. A quick “tell me what works best” conversation can spark trust and provide invaluable insight. Tip: You can always send a short Google Form/ printed document with language options- “Tell me three things your child loves, one thing that helps calm them, and one goal you have for the school year.”
3. Build Routines that Feel Safe & Predictable
Consistency is calming. Kick off with a predictable daily flow—visual schedules and clear routines help everyone.Example: Post a daily schedule with pictures (bus, desk, recess, lunch, etc.) and point to it as you go through the day.
Start simple. Practice core transitions (arrivals, breaks, packing up) before diving into heavy academics.Example: Before academics, practice unpacking backpacks, getting out journals, moving to circle time, or lining up with visual cues.
Offer flexible tools. Keep fidgets, sensory spaces, or alternative seating options ready for students who need them.Example: Have noise-reducing headphones, stress balls, and a “calm corner” with beanbags available as soon as you can!
4. Create a Welcoming, Inclusive Space
Representation matters. Fill your room with visuals, books, and posters that reflect many identities and abilities.Example: Stock your classroom library with books like All Are Welcome or We’re All Wonders that showcase diversity and inclusion.
Use “our” language. Say “our classroom” instead of “my classroom” to build community.Say: “This is our classroom. We’re a team!” instead of “In my classroom, I expect…”
Co-create expectations. Work with students to set group norms—they’ll be more invested when they help shape the rules.Example: Work with students to draw posters: “In our class, we listen, we try, we include.” Let them decorate it with their own art or stickers.
5. Build Your Dream Team
Introduce yourself early. Say hello to general education teachers, paraprofessionals, and related service staff.Example: Pop into a general ed teacher’s room and say: “I’ll be working with Student A this year. Let me know how I can support you!”
Share key insights. Pass along simple strategies that can help students succeed in every classroom.Example: “Just a heads up—Student A focuses best when she has her wobble chair. It really helps her get through group lessons.”
Be proactive. Strong collaboration now prevents small bumps from becoming roadblocks later.Example: Set up a quick weekly check-in email template for classroom team members: “Anything you’ve noticed this week? Here’s what I’ve seen…”
6. Don’t Forget You!
Plan your flow. Block time for notes, emails, and (yes!) breaks so your day feels manageable.Example: Block 15 minutes after dismissal for documentation before diving into emails.
Set boundaries early. You can’t pour from an empty cup—protect your energy. Example: If asked to join a last-minute optional after-school meeting, say: “I’d love to contribute—can I send notes tomorrow instead?”
Celebrate wins. Every smile, every successful transition, every moment of connection is worth noticing.Example: Jot down 3 positives from the day (“Student B smiled during group time,” “Student A transitioned with no tears,” “I met the new speech pathologist!”). I like having student do these as well to reflect on their growth too!
Day one is less about perfection and more about connection. With warm introductions, consistent routines, and a joyful spirit, you’ll spark trust, build belonging, and set the stage for a year where both you and your students can thrive. Let the adventure begin!
We all need a little reminder now and then of just how meaningful our work is. This video always inspires us, and we’d love to share it with you!