Untitled
October 1, 2019
Understanding inclusion is crucial, but it's equally important to recognize what inclusion is not. Here are some distinctions:
- Exclusion : When students are denied access to education because their needs are deemed different and unaddressed, it is exclusion. This is the opposite of inclusion.
- Segregation : Providing education for neuro-divergent students in separate environments, isolated from students without similar needs, is segregation. This keeps them apart rather than fostering inclusion.
- Integration : Placing neuro-divergent students in mainstream educational institutions without accompanying structural changes is integration, not inclusion. Integration does not automatically lead to inclusion.
What inclusive education is not:
- Placing students with disabilities in regular classes without support.
- Grouping students with disabilities in a resource room within a regular school.
- Providing all of a child's education at home.
- Focusing solely on life skills without considering academic outcomes.
- Guiding secondary students with disabilities exclusively into vocational/professional programs.
Inclusion involves systemic reform, including changes in content, teaching methods, structures, and strategies to overcome barriers. It aims to provide an equitable and participatory learning experience for all students, considering their diverse needs and preferences.
According to the UN CRPD Committee, inclusive education is central to achieving high-quality education for all learners, including those with disabilities. Research shows that when teachers learn to accommodate different learning styles and promote cooperation among students, everyone benefits.
Inclusive education is not only a way to strengthen the education system but also a means to ensure that all children can live, learn, and play together. It fosters acceptance of each other's abilities, talents, personalities, and needs.
Source: [Inclusion International](https://inclusion-international.org/catalyst-for-change/faqs/)
