SU School of Education professor/author to discuss inclusion at Onondaga County Central Library Feb. 5

SU School of Education professor/author to discuss inclusion at Onondaga County Central Library Feb. 5February 05, 2008Patrick Farrellpmfarrel@syr.edu

Mara Sapon-Shevin, professor of inclusive elementary and special education at Syracuse University’s School of Education, will lead a panel discussion based on the themes of her latest book, “Widening the Circle: The Power of Inclusive Classrooms” (Beacons Press, 2007) Tuesday, Feb. 5, at 5:30 p.m. in the Curtin Auditorium at the Onondaga County Central Library in The Galleries of Syracuse.

The discussion, sponsored by the Central Library, features Syracuse Common Council President Bea Gonzalez; Heidi Holtz of the Gifford Foundation; Janet Park, director of Mundy Branch Library; and Lisa Alford, commissioner of the Onondaga County Department of Aging and Youth.

“Widening the Circle” delves into the larger truths about perceived human differences, explores the moral implications of segregation, and challenges conventional thinking about inclusion in schools and communities. According to Sapon-Shevin, inclusion goes far beyond simply mainstreaming people with disabilities. True inclusion brings together people who differ from one another by race, religion, gender, class, ethnicity and sexual orientation. When successfully implemented, inclusion benefits those who otherwise would be excluded from mainstream culture and enhances the quality of life for all members of society.

The event is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Denise Headd, public information specialist for the Onondaga County Public Library, at 435-1830.