Empowering children with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

UPCOMING EVENTS
INCLUSION ROCKS CONCERT 2026
Charlotte Catholic High School
Saturday, March 21th at 1pm

VIDEO

OUR SPIRIT

The Inclusion Rocks Foundation is a non-profit organization that is all about making a positive impact on the lives of young people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Our main goal is to increase the resources available to these individuals when it comes to education and employment. We work hard to secure grants that will provide educational and employment opportunities not only within the Catholic School System but also beyond it. Additionally, we're dedicated to supporting the educators and administrators who play a crucial role in the lives of these children and young adults. They truly make a difference every single day.

COMMUNITY

OUR VISION

We believe that individuals with special needs are part of God’s creative work and should be able to reach their full potential with the opportunity to receive an enriched, inclusive education and to seek meaningful friendships and employment when entering adulthood.

OUR MISSION

Our mission is to serve every child with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to help them to reach their fullest potential.

OUR HISTORY

Stephen and Jessica Dey established Inclusion Rocks with the aim of assisting K-12 schools in implementing inclusion programs for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities (IDD). In early 2023, after several years of planning and establishing a private foundation, they successfully obtained our 501c3 non-profit status.

For the past 12 years, Stephen has been actively involved with the Catholic Dioceses' Special Needs committee, and he served as a member of the Diocese school board for six of those years. Their daughter Avery, who was diagnosed with Down syndrome at birth, was among the first students to participate in the fully inclusive program for children with Down syndrome at St. Patrick Catholic Elementary School. She is now a junior at Charlotte Catholic High School.

From a personal perspective, Stephen and Jessica have benefited greatly from the resources and relationships provided by the Charlotte Mecklenburg and Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools (MACS) communities. They have received support from reputable agencies and organizations dedicated to the growth and development of individuals with disabilities. These experiences have inspired them to contribute to the Greater Charlotte Community by raising funds that directly support educational programs, specifically by providing resources for teachers and students.

Recognizing the importance of inclusion throughout a student's educational journey, from kindergarten to high school and beyond, the MACS Special Needs Committee conducted research on established programs in the region. Ultimately, they identified a proven model called The Options Program.

After years of dedicated effort, The Options Program began to take shape and continues to thrive within the Mecklenburg Catholic School System. Stephen's involvement with The Options Program has given him a profound understanding of the needs of schools that offer these programs. With Inclusion Rocks, they aim to utilize the funds and interest generated to support these schools and their efforts.

CONTACT

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EVENTS

EXPERIENCE

INCLUSION ROCKS CONCERT 2026

An Unforgettable Celebration of Music, Community and Awareness. The Inclusion Rocks Concert is an annual celebration of music, awareness, and inclusion for children with learning disabilities in Charlotte. We are excited to bring you another unforgettable experience this year!

OUR MISSION

Grow Inclusion in our schools to Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities can learn life skills, build Meaningful relationships and prepare for life beyond the classroom.

The Inclusion Rocks Festival is our premier annual celebration, bringing our community together to support inclusive education across our Catholic Schools. The festival will take place on the grounds of Charlotte Catholic High School on March 21, 2026, from 1pm to 7pm.

This annual event raises essential funds to support the day-to-day needs of students and instructors within the Options Programs across our diocese. Our primary fundraising goal is to raise $90,000 to purchase an Options Program van that will serve as dedicated transportation for students—ensuring they have reliable access to internships, job training, and meaningful community experiences.

Our secondary initiative focuses on supporting our educators. We aim to provide grants for teachers seeking specialized training in working with students who have intellectual and developmental disabilities. Our educators are the backbone of the Options Program, and with the proper training, we believe our friends can thrive in any school environment. Through individualized instructional strategies and curriculum modifications, our instructors help each student work toward greater independence and meaningful employment after graduation.

ENTERTAINMENT YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS:

THIS BAND BRINGS THE MTV-ERA TO LIFE WITH A HIGH-ENERGY MIX OF CLASSIC ROCK POWER AND NEW WAVE VIBES. KNOWN FOR THEIR DYNAMIC LIVE PRODUCTION AND PERFORMANCES ALONGSIDE MAJOR ARTISTS, THEY TURN EVERY SHOW INTO A NOSTALGIC, CROWD-MOVING EXPERIENCE.