Stephen and Jessica's Story

OUR HISTORY
 

Inclusion Rocks was born from a very personal place. When Stephen and Jessica Dey founded the organization, their dream was simple but powerful: to make sure every child with developmental disabilities (IDD) has a place where they truly belong. After years of planning, learning, and building a foundation rooted in love and experience, they proudly achieved their 501(c)(3) non-profit status in early 2023.

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Their journey began long before the organization did. For over 12 years, Stephen has served on the Catholic Diocese’s Special Needs Committee and spent six of those years on the Diocesan School Board. But their deepest motivation has always been their daughter, Avery. Diagnosed with Down syndrome at birth, Avery became one of the first students fully included in the Matthew Morgan program at St. Patrick Catholic School. She thrive and went on to Holy Trinity Catholic Middle school. She has graduating from Charlotte Catholic High School and now continuing in the Pathways program. Every milestone she reached came with the support of teachers, families, and communities who believed in what inclusion makes possible.
 

Through both Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools and Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools (MACS), the Deys found guidance, encouragement, and a network of people committed to the growth of children with disabilities. Those relationships shaped their lives and opened doors for Avery—and now they want to open those same doors for other families. Inclusion Rocks is their way of giving back, of saying “thank you,” and of ensuring that teachers and students have the resources they need to create classrooms where everyone feels seen, valued, and capable.
 

The MACS Special Needs Committee spent years studying what true inclusion should look like. Their search led them to a proven model called The Options Program, which is now flourishing within the Mecklenburg Catholic school system. Stephen’s work with this program has shown him the incredible impact inclusion can have—but also the heartbreaking gaps that still exist. With Inclusion Rocks, he and Jessica are determined to close those gaps.
 

Their passion comes from both love and frustration. Only 2% of Catholic schools in the United States offer inclusion programs—far too few for the number of families seeking hope and belonging. Public schools struggle as well, often without the tools or training needed to support IDD students in meaningful ways. And somewhere along the way, vocational education was lost—leaving behind students who would benefit from hands-on learning and real-world skills.

Stephen and Jessica believe our schools can do better. They believe our educators deserve more support. And they believe every child—no matter their ability—should have the chance to learn, grow, and be part of something bigger.
 

This mission is personal. It is heartfelt. And it is just the beginning of what Inclusion Rocks hopes to build for families throughout the Greater Charlotte community and our Country.​​​​​​

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