Imago Dei Inclusion Workshop

Formation for Including Children with Disabilities in Catholic Schools

Three smiling students in St. Mary school uniforms standing arm in arm outside their school

ICLE renews K-12 Catholic schools by reclaiming the Church’s educational tradition for growth in faith, wisdom, and virtue. We believe the pedagogy and curriculum in a school ought to form the human person toward freedom in Jesus Christ the Logos.

This program is developed from the roots of ICLE’s school services and credential offerings in pedagogy and curriculum, and guided by the leadership and experienced vision of Abriana Chilelli, ICLE’s Director of Special Projects.

Imago Dei

Central to this mission is the truth of the Imago Dei—a Latin phrase meaning “Image of God.” Rooted in Genesis, this foundational doctrine proclaims that every human being possesses an inherent, inviolable dignity because they bear the divine stamp of our Creator. Unlike secular, utilitarian models that measure a student’s value by their academic efficiency or economic output, the Imago Dei reminds us that a person’s worth is anchored entirely in who they are: an immortal soul gifted with intellect, the desire to know, free will, and an infinite capacity for love.

Borrowing the profound words of St. Pope John Paul II, we believe that a person with a disability does not live “a life with less potential for holiness.” Each student’s reflection of the Creator is whole and complete. Therefore, education must be a formation in holiness for children with disabilities; an educational model ordered purely toward utilitarian outcomes falls desperately short of true human formation.

To serve the Church and her schools in educating students with disabilities toward full flourishing, ICLE offers specialized formation for teachers, school leaders, and pastors to successfully integrate inclusive Catholic liberal education.