Why inclusion matters

Inclusion is a philosophy based on values “aiming to maximize the participation of all in society and education by minimizing exclusionary and discriminatory practices” (Booth, 2005). In an inclusive educational setting students with special needs are educated alongside students without special needs as the first and desired option while maintaining appropriate supports and services.

​

Inclusive education is about how we develop and design our schools, classrooms, programs, and activities so that all students learn and participate together. Inclusive systems “value the unique contributions students of all backgrounds bring to the classroom and allow diverse groups to grow side by side, to the benefit of all” (UNICEF, n.d.). Successful inclusive education happens “through accepting, understanding, and attending to student differences and diversity, which can include physical, cognitive, academic, social, and emotional” (McManis, 2021).

​

The social model of disability

The conception of inclusive education relates to the social model of disability where disablement is viewed as being caused by social structures, institutions, and attitudes (Terzi, 2010). Therefore, inclusivity is about the process of removing exclusionary and disabling barriers in education, and about creating more just and inclusive schools to create a more just and inclusive society. An inclusive society demands “the full participation and equal recognition of all people and groups in society” (Terzi, 2010). It can be argued that inclusive education is a means towards accomplishing an inclusive and equitable society for all (Polat, 2011). To do so, it needs to consider a broad range of diversity beyond disability (Polat, 2011). Inclusion is

inclusion of all regardless of race, ethnicity, disability, gender, sexual orientation, language, and socioeconomic status (Polat, 2011).

​

Education for an equitable society

Education is deeply political and can serve to reify or challenge the social order (Greenstein, 2016; Freire, 1970, 1974). Since education is the process by which we become part of society and how we learn what is expected of us, we need to consider what kind of education will lead to us to a more equitable society (Greenstein, 2016).

​

Inclusion in education is critical, “not only in its relevance to schooling, but also in its connection to the participation of all beyond education” (Braunsteiner & Mariano-Lapidus, 2014, p.38). Democracy is about valuing diverse communities in society and “these values are reflected in schools (Braunsteiner & Mariano-Lapidus, 2014, p.37). Therefore, inclusion is a model of democracy at work. By fostering a school (and classroom) culture “of respect and belonging, teachers provide students with opportunities to learn about and to accept individual differences, and to diminish the marginalization of vulnerable groups” (Braunsteiner & Mariano-Lapidus, 2014, p.38). The challenge for educators is to be proficient in educating a diverse group of students while creating a classroom culture of belonging, acceptance, and respect for all.