Resources and Links for Inclusion

By Brian Smith

I recently came across this excellent resource for issues and information about strategies and policies of inclusion in classrooms.  The Centre for Studies in Inclusion Education have developed the Inclusion Charter and offered, among other things, these Ten Reasons for Inclusion:

HUMAN RIGHTS

1 All children have the right to learn together.
2 Children should not be devalued or discriminated against by being excluded or sent away because of their disability or learning difficulty.
3 Disabled adults, describing themselves as special school survivors, are demanding an end to segregation.
4 There are no legitimate reasons to separate children for their education. Children belong together -- with advantages and benefits for everyone. They do not need to be protected from each other.

GOOD EDUCATION

5 Research shows children do better, academically and socially, in inclusive settings.
6 There is no teaching or care in a segregated school which cannot take place in an ordinary school.
7 Given commitment and support, inclusive education is a more efficient use of educational resources.

SOCIAL SENSE

8 Segregation teaches children to be fearful, ignorant and breeds prejudice.
9 All children need an education that will help them develop relationships and prepare them for life in the mainstream.
10 Only inclusion has the potential to reduce fear and to build friendship, respect and understanding.