ROSSER LAURA

Special Educator, New Hanover County Schools/Advisor & Schools Liaison, Unified Champion Schools/Outreach Coordinator, Theatre for All

Describe your role.

“As a teacher of students with intellectual disabilities and autism, I team up with general educators, community agencies and organizations, families, and the students themselves to build an environment optimized for their learning and development. Growing self-advocates – students with disabilities – alongside advocates – students without disabilities – is the mission of my work with all community partners. Together, we are working to create an inclusive world, where we all grow and thrive with the support of each other.”

What’s a future goal?

“I am working with two Unified youth leaders and former students, Special Olympics North Carolina, and NHCS to accomplish our goal of creating the first Unified District in North Carolina. This would mean that every school in NHCS would commit to creating an inclusive school culture where students with/without disabilities participate together, in leadership, team sports, and whole school/community engagement. It’s a big lift, but the future is now – and it is certainly inclusive.”