The power of collaboration and partnership with our local community has proven to be a driving force in improving outcomes for our students with disabilities in Ukiah Unified. This collaboration fosters a sense of belonging and empowerment for students who might otherwise lack a sense of inclusion. We want all of our students to recognize that they have unique gifts and talents to offer our community. Moreover, their individual neurodiversity makes our community and world a more creative and inclusive place.  

Ukiah Unified is committed to creating an inclusive and supportive environment for students with diverse needs. The pandemic and wildfires taught us to push beyond limited resources and be creative problem solvers. We are constantly faced with constraints and work tirelessly to create solutions. Some of these constraints include staff shortages, limited in-person service providers, increased behavior challenges, and social-emotional support needs. Ukiah Unified has the unique opportunity to be close to many non-public agencies, our county office of education, regional center, and local business owners. Partnerships with community resources provide students with opportunities for real-world experiences, vocational training, and social integration, which helps prepare them for a more seamless transition into adulthood.

A fundamental aspect of successful partnerships is communication. Open lines of communication and a shared commitment to the child's well-being create a powerful support system. Our partnerships with Redwood Coast Regional Center, Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA), Transition Partnership Program, WorkAbility, and behavior agencies such as Multiplicity, Inclusive Education and Community Partnership (IECP), and the Autism Advocacy and Intervention (AAI) allow us to synchronize support with the home and school with a wrap-around approach. Frequent communication provides an opportunity to discuss the student's progress, identify challenges, and develop strategies for improvement. It also allows for consistency of routine between home and school.

We want to emphasize the importance of civil communication with each other. As a team working together, we can develop solutions while respecting and appreciating differences of opinion. Facilitated Individual Education Plan (IEP) meetings and Alternative Dispute Resolution allow families, service providers, and the District to address concerns without costly litigation that takes away time and resources from both staff and students. We care deeply about student outcomes and enjoy the opportunity to work collaboratively with parents in a way that respects everyone's dignity. When parents and district personnel work hand in hand, the impact on the child's academic and personal development is profound.

The power of partnership in special education is a force that transcends the confines of the classroom or school. When educators, parents, and community members unite in their commitment to inclusive education, they pave the way for the success of all students, including those with special needs. This collaborative effect transforms the educational experience for these students and builds a more compassionate and inclusive society where every individual, regardless of ability, can unlock their full potential and realize their unique value.