What is Inclusion?
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT INCLUSION
What is inclusion?
What are the goals of inclusion?
Who benefits from inclusion?
What is the law concerning inclusion?
What is inclusion?
Inclusion is the philosophy that all people have the right to be included with their peers in age-appropriate activities throughout their lives; where children and adults with disabilities have the opportunity to participate fully in all community activities offered to people who do not have disabilities. Inclusion is what results when people with and without disabilities live, learn, work and play side by side.
What are the goals of inclusion?
To provide the same rights, choices and opportunities for all people regardless of disabilities
To promote acceptance and appreciation for all children
To foster friendships based on shared interests, not disabilities
To create welcome participants in community programs, regardless of ability level
To offer facilities and public spaces that are accessible and easy to use for all
To foster the necessary individual adaptations, accommodations, and supports so every person can benefit equally from community life
To value diversity and recognize that all humans have talents and gifts to share
Who benefits from inclusion?
Inclusion not only benefits the participants with disabilities, it also benefits youth without disabilities, parents, agencies and the community. Interactions with others teach everyone to appreciate the diversity that exists around us.
All children:
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Make new friends
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Learn by modeling others
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Build interdependence and ability to deal with obstacles
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Notice how people are similar to each other
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Develop better interpersonal skills
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Learn to accept others as they are
Parents and family:
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Are able to work because they have access to inclusive child care service and after-school care
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Enjoy a respite
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Discover that others can provide a secure and nurturing environment for their children
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Learn to accept their own childs strengths and needs
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Develop relationships with other families and share experiences
Program and Care Providers:
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Develop networks of professional services and community resources
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Develop an awareness that all people have unique strengths and needs
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Create an enriched setting to encourage understanding and flexibility
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Realize and appreciate differences
What is the law concerning inclusion?
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) provides individuals with disabilities the same freedoms as Americans without disabilities.
