The Center for Enriched Living (CEL), a nonprofit dedicated to supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, has announced a new partnership with The Nora Project, an organization committed to teaching empathy and inclusion through education.
This mission-aligned integration will ensure more schools have the resources to create environments where belonging and inclusion are at the center for every student.
Building on CEL’s Legacy
Since 1968, CEL has been a leader in disability inclusion and empowerment, offering programs in:
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Social development
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Employment and mental health
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Adult day services
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Community-based engagement
Through The Nora Project, CEL will now expand into school-wide professional learning for educators and provide Disability Studies-informed curricula for students from PreK through high school.
Reaching More Students and Educators
The Nora Project’s training and coaching have already impacted tens of thousands of students and educators nationwide, offering a suite of social-emotional learning programs that directly address disability, difference, and diversity.
“Together, we’re creating a more connected, compassionate world from childhood through adulthood,” said Herb Washington, CEO of CEL. “The Nora Project equips students and educators with the tools to understand and embrace difference. CEL provides a community where inclusion is a lived experience.”
Setting Standards for Inclusive Schools
One of the most powerful tools in this collaboration is the introduction of The Standards for Inclusive Schools — the first of their kind. These standards guide schools in welcoming students of all abilities as their authentic selves and empower them to advocate for themselves and others.
Recognized and adopted nationally, these resources ensure classrooms become places of belonging, respect, and advocacy.
Looking Ahead
School districts, educators, and classrooms across the US and Canada can now access CEL and The Nora Project’s resources to establish a new standard where diversity is expected and valued.
“Together, we’ll reach more people, share more resources, and create even more meaningful opportunities for people with and without disabilities to thrive together,” said Lauren Schrero, Co-founder of The Nora Project and CEL Board Member.
Learn More
To explore CEL’s expanded offerings, including inclusive education curricula, professional learning, and program pricing, visit ExperienceCEL.org/TNP or contact [email protected].
SOURCE: The Nora Project
