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What It Means to Be Inclusive

These are the principles that guide quality inclusive education:

• All children belong.
  Inclusive education is based on the simple idea that every child and family is valued equally and deserves the same opportunities and experiences. Inclusive education is about children with disabilities - whether the disability is mild or severe, hidden or obvious - participating in everyday activities, just like they would if their disability were not present. It's about building friendships, membership and having opportunities just like everyone else.
• All children learn in different ways.
  Inclusion is about providing the help children need to learn and participate in meaningful ways. Sometimes, help from friends or teachers works best. Other times, specially designed materials or technology can help. The key is to give only as much help as needed.
• It is every child's right to be included.
  Inclusive education is a child’s right, not a privilege. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act clearly states that all children with disabilities should be educated with non-disabled children their own age and have access to the general education curriculum.

For more information on the educational rights of children with disabilities, visit Family Rights.

Real Life Story: Read how these principles come alive in an inclusive preschool.

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