Parkwood Elementary promotes inclusion in second annual fair

Apr. 5—CLARKSVILLE — Parkwood Elementary School returned for a second time an annual event to bring people together in accordance with National Autism Awareness Month.

The Inclusion Fair was Thursday at the school. It featured several community partners, games, prizes, food and giveaways.

Those who attended could also talk to various health care providers and teachers that work within the Greater Clark County Schools.

Stacy Collins, occupational therapist at the school, said Parkwood specifically has a large population of students with autism and those with special needs.

She said earlier that day while school was in session a professional musician with autism and who is visually impaired played piano to a large assembly of students, and also answered questions.

Collins said the fair brings families together to learn about the community resources that support students with special needs.

She said there are different special education programs in different buildings in the school district. While they try to keep students in their neighborhood, they might have to branch out to others depending on their needs.

Clarksville Police Department officer Justice Kraft was at the fair with other officers. He said he originally attended the school as a student.

"It's cool to come back and kind of see the steps that the school is taking to include everyone," Kraft said.

Alexis Cruz was at the fair with her children who attend the school. She said she has a few family members who are special needs, but said they try to go to every fair the school has.

Cruz said this year's Inclusion Fair is more comprehensive and bigger than last year.

"We love our school," Cruz said.

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