Heads Up for Inclusion
Organization Summary
Heads Up for Inclusion is a grassroots organization that works to build inclusive communities through connection, mentorship, and education. Since 2001, we’ve proudly offered the Amigos Program to both students in schools and adults in the community. The program brings together individuals with and without disabilities to build friendships and share meaningful experiences based on common interests.
Guiding Principles
1. Belonging is a fundamental human need
Heads Up for Inclusion fosters an inclusive community where everyone belongs.
2. Inclusion needs to be intentional
Inclusion is more than physical proximity. The Amigos program intentionally promotes connections between people with and without disabilities in order to share common interests, engage in meaningful activities, and develop friendships.
3. Friendships enrich our lives
The research is clear. Relationships contribute to happiness, healthfulness, and longevity. Friendship matters!!!
4. Relationships are real
Relationships are formed on the basis of equality and with the understanding that Amigos learn from one another. Amigos are not referred to as volunteers.
5. Differences are accepted and celebrated
Amigos find out what makes their partner ‘shine’ and build relationships based on interests, strengths, abilities and capacity which lifts everyone up.
6. Inclusive behaviour is demonstrated
We believe a person with an intellectual disability is to be included in any conversation concerning them and in the adage: “Nothing about me without me”.
7. Amigos are role models for social change
Our high schools and communities become stronger when a person with a disability is celebrated and included in a social group, an educational opportunity, the community, or a leisure activity where their gifts can be appreciated. Inclusion benefits us all!!!
8. Nothing is Impossible when you believe I’m possible!
Heads Up for Inclusion believes in the power of relationships to change the lives of young people with intellectual disabilities and the lives of those they touch.
Key Activities
Heads Up for Inclusion’s Mission / Vision
Mission Statement
Heads Up for Inclusion promotes and encourages connections leading to the development of permanency in relationships, so any individual facing barriers to inclusion can participate more fully in the life of their community.
Heads Up for Inclusions programs are eligible to be in all Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board & Peterborough, Victoria, Northumberland and Clarington Catholic School Board catchment areas.
Vision Statement
Heads Up for Inclusion seeks to encourage full and meaningful community participation and belonging of any individual facing barriers to inclusion.
About Us
Where did the idea for Heads Up for Inclusion come from?
“The idea for this high school inclusion project began in the year 2000 when I saw my son Paul walking down the hall of his high school. He was hanging off the arm of an Educational Assistant and another student from his class was hanging off her other arm. Paul was behaving well below his level of ability. As I watched him, I thought to myself: “If another student asked you to walk with them to the cafeteria, you would straighten up and walk down the hall just like every other student.”
That was the beginning. I realized that we needed to tap into the wonderful resource within our high schools: other students. I believed if students in mainstream classes got to know their peers in LLS classes, they could become the agents for change.”