Special Olympics Massachusetts has announced that Tabor Academy, a Special Olympics Unified Champion School, is receiving national banner recognition for its efforts to provide inclusive sports and activities for students with and without disabilities. A Special Olympics Unified Champion School has an inclusive school climate and exudes a sense of collaboration, engagement, and respect for all members of the student body and staff. A Unified Champion School receiving national banner recognition is one that has demonstrated commitment to inclusion by meeting 10 national standards of excellence. These standards were developed by a national panel of leaders from the Special Olympics and the education community. Tabor is receiving this honor as a result of meeting these standards of excellence in the areas of inclusion, advocacy and respect.
During the school year of 2019-20, Tabor showed impressive determination and helped Special Olympics Massachusetts move towards their collective goal of creating a truly ‘Unified Generation’ of young people who embrace differences and lead social change. The students, coaches, volunteers, teachers, staff, and administration at Tabor all played key roles in creating a social climate where everyone feels included and respected for who they are. Tabor is redefining the future as we make our community more inclusive of people with intellectual disabilities, and in doing so, making the world a more accepting place for all. Patti Doherty, Special Olympics Massachusetts’ Vice President of School and Community Development, states, “We are honored to have such a strong and fully inclusive school be recognized for the hard work and determination you have demonstrated to grow your program to the outstanding one it is today, and we look forward to new heights you all will reach tomorrow and years to come!”
Tabor is one of only fifteen schools in Massachusetts and among 155 schools nationwide to achieve this status for the 2019-20 school year. Special Olympics Massachusetts has a selective list of 41 high schools that have now reached this impressive level. Tabor will be presented with a banner to hang in our school and be included on a list of other schools around the country who have achieved this distinguished status. Congratulations, Seawolves, for reaching this distinction!