Fifty years later, the promise of IDEA is alive in Durango School District (DSD, formerly known as 9-R) thanks to the dedication of our special education teachers, service providers, paras, and leaders. Their work ensures that students are seen, supported, and celebrated for their unique strengths. Every day, they help students grow in confidence, independence, and belonging.
Celebrating the Significant Support Needs program
To honor this anniversary and highlight student learning across the district, DSD hosted its annual Significant Support Needs (SSN) Fall Celebration on Nov. 20 at the Impact Career Innovation Center. SSN programs from multiple schools came together to share traditions, hands-on learning, and job-skills development — all closely tied to our Portrait of a Graduate competencies. Families, students, and staff enjoyed a warm evening centered on connection, growth, and community.
At Durango School District's Significant Support Needs (SSN) Fall Celebration on Nov. 20, students, families, and staff in the district's SSN program gathered to celebrate the 50th anniversary of special education in the United States.
DSD's Director of Special Education Mari Goldstrand opened the event, where guests enjoyed food that SSN students helped prepare and Thanksgiving-themed crafts.
In her remarks, she praised the patience, creativity, steady optimism, and unwavering professionalism of the district's SSN teams, and highlighted the advancements that have been made in Special Education since 1975.
"The progress sparked by trailblazers — families, educators, and advocates — has opened doors that once seemed unimaginable. And now it’s our turn to continue that legacy," Goldstrand said. "Our commitment to inclusion, independence, and opportunity moves us closer to the future we want for every learner — one where all students leave our system prepared to engage meaningfully in their communities and in their own lives."
School Board acknowledges National Special Education Day
As part of the district’s broader recognition of the IDEA anniversary, the Durango School District Board of Education has shared this statement:
On December 2, 2025, the Durango School District Board of Education honors National Special Education Day by recognizing and celebrating the achievements, talents, and contributions of our special education students. We also extend our gratitude to the dedicated educators, specialists, and staff whose tireless commitment ensures that every student has the support and opportunities they need to thrive. The Board affirms its ongoing commitment to fostering inclusion, belonging, and equitable access for all special education students, in alignment with our district goals for an inclusive and supportive learning environment.
Inclusive events and programs throughout the school year
Throughout the year, DSD celebrates inclusion through a variety of events and programs, such as:
- Bowker Games: Now in its 18th year, this annual, Special Olympics–style field day at Escalante Middle School (EMS) brings together students with disabilities from across Southwest Colorado to participate in joyful, inclusive races and events supported by volunteers and community partners.
- Unified Basketball: This inclusive sports program brings students with and without intellectual disabilities onto the same team to build friendships, promote acceptance, and create a supportive school community through shared play. The program launched at EMS in spring 2025.
- Common Grounds Café: A student-run coffee shop inside the Durango Public Library, Common Grounds provides Durango High School Special Education students with meaningful, real-world work experience while helping them building job skills, confidence, and community relationships. The café celebrated its 10th anniversary in April 2025.
As we celebrate 50 years of progress in special education, we honor the students, families, and staff who continue to shape inclusive schools and vibrant learning communities.
Learn more: 50 Amazing Ways We’re Living the Promise in Durango Schools