Inclusion! What's In It For Everyone?

Inclusion benefits all children because all children deserve to grow up, learn and experience the joys of childhood with their peers. Abby my daughter had IVH as a result of premature delivery. She did not have the opportunity for an inclusive program before age five because at that time, in our geographic area, inclusion services were not available. However, I ensured she was not excluded from any events that would otherwise be made available to the birth-five population. This, in a sense, was a form of inclusion.

The most important aspect of inclusion is the commitment of the learning community, and the larger community to work together to create an inclusive-accepting environment for all children. Parents, educators and community who are committed and willing to work together to provide the best learning and child development environment for all children. Studies are conclusive and clearly indicate that the earlier “challenged” children are included into the population, the greater opportunity they have to maximize their potential.

Abby has CP which has manifested itself in visual perception issues. Through strategies developed and implemented by her educators she has for the most part conquered her visual perception issues leaving only some physical challenges that have been lessened through several surgerys.

While volunteering in my daughter’s classroom it was wonderful to observe the generous spirit and empathy of the other students. On one occasion during a PE kickball game a boy kick the ball soft fully to Abby. Later I heard him commenting to some boys he kicked if softly but should have kicked a little harder because she threw him out. Inclusion brings out the best in all children with proper supports and continued related services

It was gratifying to see throughout Abby’s education how important modeling of appropriate behavior by peers was and how important and beneficial the interaction was for all students. Those children who are not challenged learn also, they learn the positive attribute of “acceptance” which will benefit them greatly in their later years and in their soon-to-come working years. But mostly, all children can learn that there is much to be offered and learned from all people, regardless of their challenges.

Our learning communities and educators benefit from inclusion. Children who are included from an early age become an accepted part of their community. When I spoke to my daughter about inclusion and about writing this article and her opinion on the matter was “I’ve never known anything else”. “I’ve never been excluded so I really can’t imagine anything else, I can’t understand why anyone would be excluded!” I can only hope all children will have the opportunity to be included, so they don’t have to know how it feels to be separated and isolated from their community.

Our world should be one of inclusion, once students graduate from high school most will not be in sheltered environments. It is important to prepare all children to continue their education, work, and live together.