It has been many years since advocates began to call for inclusive education in our parochial school systems, however at the present time, little has been accomplished in this area. Some Dioceses are doing a better job of it than others. The superintendent of Catholic schools in the Diocese of Toledo, Mr. Jack Altenburger, was asked the question "What are our diocesan parish schools doing toward inclusion of children with IDD or special needs in our schools? This was his gracious response:

"Our diocesan "Principals' Handbook" describes our overall efforts to assist families with special needs children. Our schools have always tried to be inclusive in that they try to teach all their students in a regular classroom setting. A few have had public school programs (LD and DD) in their schools. Examples are Central Catholic High School,and it's "Project 100" program, Rosary Cathedral, and Blessed Sacrament schools. A number of our schools employ (or use volunteer) part-time tutors. Mary Immaculate school would be a good source for more detailed information on their mission to help these students. But we are only "scratching the surface". Because of lack of facilities and funding, we are not able to assist students with serious cognitive and/or physical impairments. Change is slow, but hopefully we will continue to find more ways to include all children in our schools. We would like to do much more.

Jack"