Under PI 26.03(3), districts must ensure that students with disabilities and other unique needs have access to ACP services as part of their Individualized Education Program (IEP) or other support plans.
Commitment to Equity and Inclusion
The Neenah Joint School District is committed to ensuring that every student has equitable access to high-quality Academic and Career Planning (ACP) services. ACP opportunities are designed to empower all students, regardless of background, ability, language, or life circumstance, to explore their interests, set meaningful goals, and prepare for success in postsecondary education and the workforce.
In alignment with state and federal requirements, the district affirms that:
No student shall be denied participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be discriminated against in any school program or activity on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, creed, pregnancy, marital or parental status, sexual orientation, or physical, mental, emotional, or learning disability as required by section 118.13 of the Wisconsin Statutes and PI 9 of the Wisconsin Administrative Code.
The district further ensures that all ACP programs, resources, and career-based learning experiences are accessible and inclusive of the diverse strengths, needs, and aspirations of our student body.
Access for Students with Disabilities
For students identified as children with disabilities, the district ensures that ACP services are fully integrated with each student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP). In accordance with Wisconsin state law:
If a pupil is a child with a disability, the pupil’s academic and career plan shall be made available to the pupil’s IEP team. The IEP team may, if appropriate, take the pupil’s academic and career plan into account when developing the pupil’s transition services.
This ensures that ACP activities and transition planning work in concert to prepare students for a seamless transition from school to postsecondary education, training, or employment.
Inclusive ACP Practices
To support full participation in the ACP process, the district has implemented a range of inclusive strategies that prioritize individualization, accessibility, and collaboration:
Collaborative Planning: ACP development is coordinated between school counselors, teachers, and special education staff to align with IEP goals and transition services.
Adapted Career Exploration: Activities and assessments are modified to accommodate varied learning styles and communication needs.
Assistive Technology Access: Students use appropriate devices, digital tools, and Inspire Wisconsin resources to explore career options and engage with ACP components.
Parent and Family Engagement: Families are actively involved in ACP discussions through meetings, transition planning sessions, and accessible materials translated as needed.
Professional Development: Educators receive training in Universal Design for Learning (UDL), inclusive advising, and equitable access to ACP resources.
Community Partnerships: The district collaborates with local employers and workforce organizations to create inclusive internships, job shadows, and mentorship opportunities that reflect a range of student abilities.
Integration with Inspire Wisconsin
Through the partnership with Inspire Wisconsin (Inspire WI), all students, including those with disabilities, have access to individualized and meaningful career-based learning opportunities. Inspire WI provides digital career profiles, virtual job shadows, and connections with local employers that help students discover pathways aligned with their strengths and interests.
Students can explore career clusters, communicate with career coaches, and engage in real-world experiences at their own pace. For students with IEPs, Inspire WI tools can be customized with teacher or counselor support to ensure accessibility and relevance, making it a valuable resource in transition planning.
Commitment to Continuous Improvement
The Neenah Joint School District is dedicated to continuous review and improvement of its ACP programs to ensure equitable access and positive outcomes for every student. Through ongoing collaboration with staff, families, and community partners, the district strives to create a learning environment where every learner—regardless of ability or background- can imagine, plan, and achieve a meaningful future.