Inclusion is about ALL of us. Inclusion is about living full lives – about learning to live together. Inclusion makes the world our classroom for a full life. Inclusion treasures diversity and builds community. Inclusion is about our 'abilities' – our gifts and how to share them. Inclusion is NOT
just a 'disability' issue.
What else is inclusion?
educating students with disabilities in their neighborhood schools
placing students in their age-appropriate grade for homeroom with a daily schedule that is like other students in the grade
providing the special education services and supports in general education classes
providing planning time for teachers and other service providers to plan for the implementation of special education services in general education classes
providing regular collaborative planning time for teachers to communicate about the design of lessons and accommodations for individual students
providing professional development opportunities for both special and general educators on strategies to use inclusive instructional practices
having all staff members support the inclusion of all students, understanding that this may mean learning new strategies and collaborating with others
using “person-first” language when referring to students with disabilities (e.g., student with Downs Syndrome, not “a Downs student”)
actively encouraging and implementing activities that promote social acceptance and the development of friendships between students of different abilities
