MEET THE FOUNDERS
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The Inclusion Rocks Foundation was established by Stephen and Jessica Dey, whose journey into the special needs arena began with the birth of their daughter, Avery, who was diagnosed with Down syndrome.
Driven by a desire to ensure inclusion
and opportunity, the Deys were integral
in building an inclusive educational
environment, which ultimately flourished
into the Options Program at Charlotte
Catholic High School.
After years of direct
involvement, Stephen and Jessica, along
with dear friend and musician Evan Rizzo,
launched the 501(c)(3) Inclusion Rocks
Foundation in 2021.
Their personal commitment ensures that
every dollar raised directly supports a
mission born from real-life experience:
every student deserves the opportunity to
belong and succeed.
"WE ARE SO PROUD
OF THE WORK WE HAVE
DONE TO THIS POINT&THE
MANY FAMILIES WE HAVE HELPED ALONG THE WAY."
-Stephen Dey | Founder
IMPACT AT A
GLANCE
$90,000+ RAISED IN
PREVIOUS YEARS FOR THE OPTIONS PROGRAM
10+ STUDENTS CURRENTLY
THRIVING IN THE CHARLOTTE
CATHOLIC OPTIONS PROGRAM.
CRITICAL NEED: THE FUNDING
GAP REMAINS SIGNIFICANT
FOR SPECIALIZED STAFF, TECHNOLOGY,
AND VOCATIONAL TRAINING
THE OPTIONS PROGRAM
Preparing Students for a Life of Independence
The Options Program is the primary beneficiary of the Inclusion Rocks Foundation. It is a four-year, life-skills- based educational plan designed to prepare students with mild to moderate developmental disabilities for independent living and job readiness after high school.
What We Provide
This is not a remedial program—it is a pathway to post-secondary success and fulfilling life. The curriculum is focused on functional independence across essential skills:
THE PATH TO INDEPENDENCE
Students who successfully complete the program receive a Charlotte
Catholic High School Options Program Certificate, which opens doors
to specialized post-secondary transition programs across the region,
including:
2-Year Programs
The Pathways program at Charlotte Catholic: This program offers a
comprehensive curriculum designed to prepare students with disabilities for employment and independent living.
I-LEAD at Central Piedmont Community College: This program
focuses on providing students with intellectual disabilities the opportunity
to participate in college courses, develop vocational skills, and gain
independent living skills.
4-Year Programs
REACH Program at College of Charleston: This program provides
a supportive and inclusive environment for students with intellectual
disabilities to pursue a college education, develop social skills, and
prepare for employment.
ClemsonLIFE: This program offers a comprehensive curriculum that focuses on academic enrichment, social development, and vocational training for students with intellectual disabilities.
CarolinaLIFE at University of South Carolina: This program provides
students with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to participate in college courses, develop independent living skills, and prepare for employment.
