The Shapiro Administration announced this week that Tri-Valley School District is among 10 school entities across Pennsylvania selected to receive funding through the state’s Disability Inclusive Curriculum Pilot Program.
The program is designed to help schools teach K-12 students about the political, economic, and social contributions of individuals with disabilities while promoting inclusion and reducing stigma in the classroom.
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, each selected school entity will receive a $30,000 grant to support implementation of the curriculum over a three-year period. The latest round of funding brings the state’s total investment in the program to $600,000 since its launch during the 2023-24 school year.
“By integrating disability-focused lessons across subjects — from history to literature to science — we are helping Pennsylvania students gain a fuller understanding of the world and a deeper appreciation for all people within it,” Pennsylvania Secretary of Education Dr. Carrie Rowe said in a statement. “This initiative is a critical step in ensuring that every student, regardless of ability, feels represented, valued, and empowered to achieve their fullest potential.”
In addition to Tri-Valley, other recipients included school districts, intermediate units, charter schools, and technical schools from across the Commonwealth.
The program was established through state legislation passed in 2022 and is open to school districts, charter schools, intermediate units, career and technical centers, and nonpublic schools.
Governor Josh Shapiro’s proposed 2026-27 budget includes an additional $50 million for Special Education funding, bringing the total proposed investment to $1.58 billion statewide to support students with disabilities and special needs.