What is inclusion? What does it look like?
WHAT IS INCLUSION?
Inclusion is a universal human right and its objective is to accept, welcome and embrace all people irrespective of race, gender, disability, medical or other need. Inclusion consists of the efforts and practices to ensure groups or individuals with different backgrounds are culturally and socially accepted, and treated equally.
IS IT REALLY INCLUSION?
It may be difficult to identify and create inclusive settings that are welcoming for all people. For this reason, it is important to understand the differences between exclusion, segregation, integration and inclusion. By learning this, we can create inclusive schools, workplaces and communities.
Inclusion
Inclusion means groups/individuals having different backgrounds are culturally and socially accepted, welcomed, and equally treated. The experience aims to benefit all those involved and there is clear participation.
Integration
Integration involves the process of employing policies to address needs of groups/individuals having different backgrounds. However, diverse groups are often absorbed and placed into the mainstream experience and treated as the "diverse" group.
Segregation
Segregation occurs when groups/individuals having different backgrounds are placed in separate environments designed or used to respond to their differences.
Exclusion
Exclusion occurs when groups/individuals having different backgrounds are directly or indirectly prevented from or denied access to certain experiences.
WHY WE FOCUS ON EDUCATION
We believe that it is in early childhood that the foundations for life are laid, and thus an inclusive education as a child is the basis for an inclusive life in the community. It is for this reason that our work centers around ensuring an inclusive education for students with disabilities, who are often excluded or placed in integrated/segregated/congregated settings. Check out some of the relevant FAQs surrounding inclusion and inclusive education below.
What is the definition of ‘inclusive education’?
Inclusive education occurs when ALL students attend and are welcomed into their neighbourhood schools in age-appropriate regular classes and are supported to learn, contribute to and participate in all aspects of the life of the school...
What if the school excludes my child?
Your child has been sent home by the principal using the exclusion power. Or you are experiencing near daily phone calls asking you to pick up your child due to “behaviour”. Your school refuses to let your child come on a school trip, because you are unable to make yourself available to support your child on the trip; or you can’t provide transportation for the child, and the school bus is not accessible...
What is the biggest barrier to inclusive education?
The medical medical model of disability is the main reason that children with disabilities are segregated from their peers. It operates on the idea that people with disabilities ...