Growing Together: Building Inclusive Classrooms and Future DSPs

In this episode of the DirectLine, host Kevin Metz from Lighthouse Cove sits down with Katrina Kohout, Provider Support Coordinator at Portage County Board of Developmental Disabilities, to discuss Growing Together an innovative educational program designed to teach students in grades 2–8 about disability awareness, empathy, inclusion, and respect.Katrina shares how Portage County is implementing the program in local schools, why introducing students to the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities at an early age matters, and how these lessons help build stronger communities while inspiring future Direct Support Professionals (DSPs).The conversation explores:How Growing Together promotes empathy and disability awareness.Why inclusion benefits every student, not just those with disabilities.How the program helps address the DSP workforce shortage.The real-world life skills students develop through the curriculum.Portage County's plans for launching the program in local schools.How simple acts of kindness can create lasting community impact.Whether you're an educator, provider, parent, or disability advocate, this episode highlights how teaching inclusion today can shape a more compassionate tomorrow.Learn more about the Growing Together program and Lighthouse Cove at LighthouseCove.org.