One of the toughest things for special needs parents is ensuring that their kiddo is being included with their peers at school or in social circles. Sure, schools are gradually moving towards greater acceptance for diversity. However, diversity only implies that individuals with differences are simply there. Inclusion, on the other hand, is fully integrating and interacting with individuals who have different abilities.
What does an inclusive classroom actually look like? How can individuals who are neurotypical or fully abled ensure that classrooms and home environments are inclusive?
Now, we could give you the formal definition of "inclusion" to illustrate this article (which we will anyways) "¦ but inclusion means so much more than just being a part of things.
According to good old Merriam-Webster, definition 4 of "inclusion" is as follows:
the act or practice of including students with disabilities in regular school classes
Well, that doesn't really paint a pretty picture of the ways in which a classroom can become more inclusive for individuals with special needs and disabilities. So we'll give you a few tips for an inclusive classroom.
It starts with the rhetoric
The best way to flip the script to inclusion is to change the way that we talk about disabilities. Instead of saying "disability," try saying "different ability." Identify everyone by their names. Value individual stories instead of statistics or situation. Always use a person-fist language, identifying the individual before their diagnosis, situation, or other underlying factors.
Be fair to everyone
It's tempting to just say "treat everyone the same." However, there are times at which this may not be possible. Be fair to everyone, understanding of their situation, and empathetic to their circumstances. Everyone has their own struggles, triumphs, and narrative, making it almost impossible to treat everyone the same. It is possible, however, to be fair to everyone and striving to do so will ensure inclusion for everyone, regardless of abilities.
Encourage kindness
One of the best ways to encourage kindness that we've ever heard came from our friend John Ourth, educator at Great Circle. Every morning in his classroom, he takes a "kindness break" with his students. Each student goes around the room and says something kind to another student. It can be so easy for kids, and adults, to wake up on the wrong side of the bed. However, if just once a day, everyone takes a kindness break, things can be just a little bit better for everyone.
Go the extra mile
Make sure that everyone feels safe and included. Take the extra step of ensuring that you or your child is included in things. The human family is completed when everyone is included.