Two Vermont Schools to Receive National Recognition from Special Olympics for Achievements with Inclusion

Special Olympics Vermont has announced that Albert D. Lawton Intermediate School (ADL), a school with Special Olympics Unified Champion School® programming, is receiving national banner recognition for its efforts to provide inclusive sports and activities for students with and without intellectual disabilities. ADL is receiving this distinguished status as a result of meeting 10 national standards of excellence in the areas of inclusion, advocacy, and respect. A national panel of leaders from Special Olympics and the education community developed these standards. Champlain Valley Union High School, first awarded national recognition in 2020, has been recognized again for their enduring commitment to inclusion.

The primary activities within these standards include sports, leadership, and whole school engagement opportunities for students with and without intellectual disabilities. The result are school environments that promote inclusion and respect for all. National banner schools also demonstrate they are self-sustainable or have a plan in place to sustain these activities into the future.

“We are incredibly proud to recognize Champlain Valley Union High School for renewing its banner status and Albert D. Lawton Middle School for making history as Vermont’s first middle school to achieve this distinction” said Sarah McCaffrey, President and CEO of Special Olympics Vermont. “CVU’s continued commitment to inclusion and ADL’s groundbreaking recognition both highlight the dedication of their students, staff, and leadership. Together, they set a powerful example of what it means to create schools where every student is valued and empowered.”

The Unified Champion Schools® model is a strategy for schools Pre-K through university that intentionally promotes meaningful social inclusion by bringing together students with and without intellectual disabilities to create accepting school environments, utilizing three interconnected components: Unified Sports, inclusiveyouth leadership, and whole school engagement. More than 21 million inclusive experiences are taking place through Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools® programming. 

More than 60 schools are currently participating in Unified Champion Schools® programming in Vermont, as part of more than 10,000 schools across the country including 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, engaged in the program.

Unified Champion Schools model is supported by the Office of Special Education Programs at the U.S. Department of Education. This model has been proven, through research, to be an effective and replicable means to providing students with and without disabilities the opportunity to form positive social relationships and promote a socially inclusive school climate.

About Albert D. Lawton Intermediate School

Albert D. Lawton will foster the love of learning and belief of self in a safe, healthy and caring environment. We will value and respect the contributions of all members of our learning community by collaborating and connecting with each other. We will utilize research-based strategies to promote individual growth and encourage positive contributions to the global society.

Champlain Valley School District

Champlain Valley School District will educate and empower all students with the knowledge, understanding, skills, and curiosity to contribute to and flourish in a complex world.