Inclusive Education

Coach & Consultant

Creating communities where children feel joy, success, and pride in their identities

Educator featured in:

Forbes contributor Jeryl Brunner

“For the Lab School students seeing How To Dance In Ohio and experiencing these programs was life changing. ‘Disability representation is often not included in school curricula. It is so crucial for students to see themselves represented authentically through their many intersecting identities, which How to Dance in Ohio does beautifully,’ says access and inclusion specialist Alicia Ciocca, who helms the disability justice program.”

Students, educators, activists, families, and allies are linked at the 2023 NYC Disability Pride Parade. There are three marchers in the front who use wheelchairs and one child, and eight marchers lined up arm and arm behind them.

Students deserve to be seen and accepted for all of their identities.

Disability is an identity with a unique history and culture that must be included in school curriculum for students to feel seen for their whole selves.

Teaching about disability identity, history, and culture fosters a stronger sense of self and contributes to a compassionate and accepting school community.

Educators deserve quality professional development.

It is crucial for educators to learn about disability using a disability studies and disability justice framework in order to best serve their students and to help them thrive.

Educators deserve workshops and coaching that teach them new content and provide tools and skills that they can integrate into their classrooms.

Alicia Ciocca delivers PD in action at the NY Public Library with three educator participants watching her presentation. There is chart paper with images and writing in front of the participants.

Students deserve tutoring that is designed for them.

A tutoring approach that is tailored to students’ strengths and areas for growth and is targeted towards students’ executive functioning skill areas is crucial for academic success and lifelong confidence.

A student seen from behind completes homework in a book, holding a pencil in their right hand.
7 students are on stage holding roses with Alicia Ciocca after their Disability, Visibility, and Justice Final Schowcase at Lincoln Center on June 8, 2022.

Families deserve tools & knowledge to help their children thrive.

Access to instructional support and knowledge about disability identity, history, and culture is just as necessary at home as in the school setting. I provide coaching to families in order to help their children feel pride, joy, and success in their learning pursuits and beyond.

Testimonials

  • "Alicia shared her passion for disability justice with our district team through a series of engaging, informative, and thoughtful activities and discussions. She provided many digital and hands-on resources that deepened our understanding of this area of adult learning that is closely related to our work in special education. Alicia is truly skilled at asking questions that probe thinking that allowed our educators to reimagine their pedagogical practices and left them with many practical tools to begin their exploration. She is tremendously valued by our district team, and we hope to continue our partnership for many years to come."

    Chris, Manhattan High School Administrator of Special Education

  • "Alicia was able to infuse the incredibly necessary component of disability justice into our teacher conversations in an engaging workshop that promoted insightful discourse and independent research. Her extensive knowledge and advocacy resources allowed educators to delve into stories and reinvigorate our passion to be the best advocates for our students with disabilities."

    Katrina, Inclusive Educator & Principles of Disability Justice Workshop Participant

  • "Alicia provides amazing and thorough feedback that she delivers with such loving kindness. The data she provided me from her observations was eye opening and the strategies she provided help me grow as an inclusive educator."

    Jelisa, Teacher of Students with Disabilities

  • “I learned a lot, LIKE A LOT. That I have been able to educate my parents and myself, and be more mindful about the things I do and say, as well as realize and stop what others say as well."

    Disability Justice Student

  • “I liked that the disability visibility unit allowed everyone to learn more about the struggles of those with disabilities. I know that some people in the class have previously bullied people on the spectrum at school so I hope it taught them to be more careful about their actions.“

    Disability Justice Student

  • “I really appreciated that you could actually take the time to let special people like me make our disabilities known, and it was a pleasure sharing my autism story with the whole class!”

    Disability Justice Student

  • Alicia has been a tremendous support for me as I navigate my child's neurodivergence and autism. Through her coaching, I have learned to embrace fully my child's neurodivergence and learn about disability history and identity. Alicia has inspired me to become a stronger, confident, and more educated parent advocate for my son."

    -Rebecca, Parent and Educator