Inclusion for Students with Disabilities: Building Friendships
Inclusion isn’t just a philosophy—it’s a practice. For students with special needs, inclusion means more than being present; it means being welcomed, valued, and connected.
At Morning Star Catholic School, we believe that every child deserves friendship, community, and the opportunity to grow alongside peers of all abilities. Through meaningful programs like Best Buddies, Unified Special Olympics, and PEERS, our students don’t just learn inclusion—they live it.
What Is Inclusion?
Inclusion means creating opportunities for students with and without disabilities to learn, play, and grow together. It fosters mutual understanding, empathy, and authentic relationships.
For students with disabilities, inclusion supports:
Improved communication and social skills
Greater self-esteem and belonging
Preparation for integrated community life
For typical peers, inclusion builds:
Compassion and leadership skills
Respect for diversity
Stronger school communities
Best Buddies: Building One-on-One Friendships
Morning Star partners with Bishop Moore Catholic High School to participate in Best Buddies International, a program that pairs students with and without disabilities in genuine friendships.
Through Best Buddies (and Little Buddies):
Students meet regularly for activities, events, and conversations
Buddies enjoy shared experiences, from dances to lunch dates
Meaningful bonds form between students who might otherwise never cross paths
These friendships break down stereotypes and uplift both participants.
Unified Special Olympics: Competing—and Celebrating—Together
Morning Star proudly participates in Unified Special Olympics, where students of all abilities play sports as equal teammates.
Unified teams:
Practice and compete together
Learn cooperation, discipline, and confidence
Celebrate wins, losses, and shared goals
From basketball to track, Unified Sports build not just athletic skills—but lifelong memories and friendships.
PEERS Program: Social Skills with Real Impact
Through our collaboration with Bishop Moore and other Catholic schools, Morning Star students participate in the PEERS (Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills) curriculum.
This evidence-based program teaches:
Conversational skills
Friendship-making strategies
Conflict resolution and emotional awareness
PEERS helps students develop the social tools they need for school, work, and life.
The Impact: Inclusion That Transforms Lives
Our inclusion programs:
Give students with disabilities a voice, presence, and platform
Teach typical students how to lead with empathy
Build a more united Catholic school community grounded in respect and love
Parents consistently tell us how much these experiences mean—not just to their children, but to their entire families.
Inclusion and Faith Go Hand in Hand
As a Catholic school, we believe every person is made in the image of God. Inclusion is not just a strategy—it’s a Gospel calling.
Jesus welcomed everyone. At Morning Star, we do the same. Through every handshake, high five, and shared moment, we build the kind of community that reflects Christ’s love.
Want to See Inclusion in Action?
Come visit Morning Star Catholic School and see the friendships, laughter, and teamwork that define our school. Inclusion isn’t just what we do—it’s who we are.
Schedule a tour today to learn more about how your child can grow in an environment of faith, acceptance, and joy.
