People think they know what inclusion is. Most do not.
For people with disabilities, inclusion involves many factors, which we will be exploring in this blog.
First, let’s be sure we are talking about the same thing. Inclusion is often used when tolerance or acceptance is what is occurring. Tolerance is an attitude of being forced to go along with that you don’t agree with in your heart. You put up with people with disabilities because you must. Acceptance is recognizing, acknowledging, and being okay with people with disabilities. Tolerance and acceptance are steps toward inclusion, they fall short.
Inclusion is equality. People with disabilities are full participants everyday activities with the same opportunities and resources as those without disabilities. When there are barriers to this scenario inclusion can’t exist.
In our next few discussions, we will delve more into the barriers that exist and the steps toward true inclusion.
Debbie Malone www.inclusioneducation.com