Children with disabilities and their families have the right to the same access to all aspects of public life as everyone else. Addressing discrimination and exclusion requires a change in cultures and practices to ensure that all children can participate.
Working towards inclusion is a process which must engage each individual as a valued member of their community.
Why?
- All children have the right to play and learn together
- Inclusion has the potential to reduce fear and to build friendship, respect and understanding.
- Children should not be devalued or discriminated against by being excluded or sent away because of their disability.
- There are no legitimate reasons to separate children. Children belong together — with advantages and benefits for everyone.
- Research shows children do better, academically and socially, in inclusive settings. All children need an education that will help them develop relationships and prepare them for life in the mainstream.
- Given commitment and support, inclusive education is a more efficient use of educational resources.
All these reasons are now well supported by experiential and academic evidence. (See the Centre for Studies on Inclusive Education website for more information)
