Celebrating National Special Education Day 2025 at Da Vinci Schools

December 2 marks National Special Education Day, a time to honor the progress, partnerships, and unwavering commitment that define our work with students with disabilities. At Da Vinci Schools, this day serves as both a celebration and a reminder of our shared responsibility to ensure every learner is seen, supported, and empowered.

Special Education Day commemorates the signing of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) in 1975, the landmark legislation guaranteeing students with disabilities access to a free and appropriate public education. While the act has been revised several times in 50 years, the spirit of IDEA continues to guide our mission: to provide inclusive, equitable, and innovative learning environments where every student can thrive. IDEA has been enhanced to improve services and standards throughout the educational system, and today, there are 13 different areas where children between the ages of 3 and 21 may qualify under the IDEA for services.

This year, we celebrate the dedicated Da Vinci Speducators who make this mission a reality—our resource teachers, paraeducators, psychologists, speech-language pathologists, administrators, related service providers, and families. Special education is collaborative by design. It requires deep listening, thoughtful planning, and a belief in the strengths and potential of every student. Our successes are shared successes, made possible by the commitment of staff who bring both expertise and heart to their work each day.

We also celebrate our students—individuals who demonstrate resilience, creativity, and perseverance. Their achievements, whether big or small, reflect the power of personalized support and inclusive practices fueled by Da Vinci innovators. Their voices inspire us to continually refine our programs, deepen our partnerships, and champion a school culture rooted in belonging.

As we recognize National Special Education Day, Da Vinci Schools reaffirms our commitment to:

• Welcoming students as they are, affirming their neurodiverse learning needs
• Ensuring meaningful access to rigorous, engaging, and learning experiences 
• Providing evidence-based instruction and interventions grounded in student needs 
• Ensuring meaningful access in all courses. Leveraging engaging and unique learning experiences 
• Advocating for including practices that benefit all learners 
• Collaborating with families as essential partners in the IEP process 

Thank you to our entire Da Vinci community for supporting the work of special education. Together, we continue to build a learning community where every student can grow, engage, and succeed. 

Today and every day, we celebrate the power of inclusion and the promise of possibility. Happy National Special Education Day!