Parent Press

a Goally Publication

Get

Goally

What Does Inclusive Mean?

Home>>Neurodiversopedia>>I Terms

Summary

summary

Inclusion means that kids with special needs get to go to school with all the other kids instead of being separated. This way, everyone learns and plays together, making school more fun and fair for everyone. Teachers use different methods of teaching and helping so that everyone can learn and be friends. It’s important to be kind and accept everyone, even if they differ.

Frequently Asked Question

donut

What are some benefits of inclusion?

Research has shown that inclusion can positively impact the academic and social outcomes of students with disabilities, as well as their typically developing peers. It also helps to create a more accepting and welcoming school culture.

What are some challenges of implementing inclusion?

Implementing inclusion can be challenging and requires ongoing support and training for teachers and school staff. It is important to recognize that individualized support and accommodations may be necessary to ensure the success of all students.

How can I support inclusion in my community?

You can support inclusion in your community by promoting respect, understanding, and accepting differences and advocating for inclusive policies and practices in schools, workplaces, and community organizations.

Scientific Definition

scientist

Inclusion is the practice of educating kids with special needs alongside their typically developing peers in regular classes. It creates a supportive and diverse environment where all students have equal learning opportunities. In an inclusive classroom, teachers use various strategies and accommodations to meet the diverse needs of students. This includes modifying assignments, providing extra support, and utilizing assistive technology. Inclusion fosters a welcoming school culture that celebrates differences and promotes respect among students. Research shows that inclusion positively impacts academic and social outcomes for students with disabilities and their peers. However, implementing inclusion requires ongoing support and training for teachers. It’s important to understand that individualized support may be needed for all students to succeed.

Real World Example of Inclusion

Meet Susie, a creative and energetic 7-year-old girl who loves art and making new friends. One day, Susie joined an inclusive classroom at her school, where kids with different abilities learn and play together. Here’s how inclusion made a positive impact on Susie’s experience:

  • Making New Friends: Susie quickly became friends with Emma, a kind-hearted classmate who used a communication device to speak. Through inclusion, Susie learned to understand and communicate with Emma, fostering a meaningful friendship.
  • Supportive Teachers: Susie’s teachers in the inclusive classroom used visual aids and hands-on activities to engage all students. They ensured that Susie and her classmates had the right support to learn and grow at their own pace.
  • Celebrating Differences: Inclusion taught Susie to celebrate and appreciate everyone’s unique abilities. She enjoyed participating in art projects where each student’s creativity and individuality were celebrated.
  • Learning Together: Susie and her classmates collaborated on group projects, discovering different perspectives and ideas. Inclusion taught them the value of teamwork and mutual respect.

Through the power of inclusion, Susie thrived in her inclusive classroom, forming friendships, embracing diversity, and developing a deep sense of empathy and understanding.

How Does Inclusion Work?

Inclusion is implemented through various strategies to ensure a supportive learning environment for all students. Here are some examples of how inclusion works:

  • Collaborative Teaching: Inclusion involves co-teaching, where a general education teacher and a special education teacher work together in the same classroom, providing instruction and support to all students.
  • Individualized Instruction: Teachers adapt their teaching methods to meet the unique needs of each student. This may include modifying assignments, using visual aids, or providing additional time for completing tasks.
  • Assistive Technology: Inclusion incorporates the use of assistive technology tools, such as speech-to-text software or communication devices, to assist students with disabilities in their learning.
  • Peer Support: Students with disabilities receive support from their typically developing peers through buddy systems or peer tutoring programs, fostering social interaction and collaboration.
  • Positive Behavior Support: Inclusion promotes a positive behavior support system, where clear expectations and consistent rewards are used to encourage appropriate behavior and create a respectful classroom environment.

These strategies ensure that all students, regardless of their abilities, can actively participate and succeed in a supportive classroom setting. Goally, our tablet, supports kids embrace inclusion by providing fun apps for building life and language skills, digital visual schedules, AAC, gamified learning, emotional regulation, executive functioning, and social skills training. It helps children with special needs thrive in the inclusive classroom.

 

This post was originally published on April 4, 2023. It was updated on July 8, 2023.