Module 2: Defining Inclusion
Summary
- Inclusion is an evolutionary process
- Inclusion can be achieved by inviting, involving, and informing with intention
- Finding the opportunities to invite, involve, and inform is necessary for inclusion
- Intention provides the fuel and the drive to make inclusion happen
Key Terms
- Custodial
- A person who was categorized as custodial was considered incapable of learning.
- Educable
- People who were considered educable could be taught academic skills such as learning to read and write.
- Exclusion
- Children with disabilities and complex needs were completely excluded from general education.
- General Inclusion
- Including everyone into all general education programs.
- Inclusion
- An active process of inviting, involving, and informing with intention that provides students with opportunities for belonging and contribution.
- Informing
- The principle of informing is about ensuring that everyone supporting the student has the information they need to provide a meaningful school learning experience.
- Integration
- The placement of students with disabilities in general education classrooms for at least a portion of the school day.
- Intention
- A commitment piece of inclusion. It is where you agree to do whatever it takes to make your students’ school experience a meaningful and inclusive one.
- Inviting
- Offering the promise of an attractive or enjoyable experience.
- Involving
- The inviting of a student with complex needs is the first step, but the work begins with involving the student in the general activities of the class while incorporating learning objectives from their IEPs.
- Mainstreaming
- Children with disabilities and complex needs were placed in a mainstream school or classroom.
- Placement
- Refers to the physical location where education occurs for a student.
- Segregation
- Children with disabilities and complex needs attended separate schools.
- Trainable
- Trainable meant that the person could be taught basic life skills, such as dressing and personal hygiene.
References and Resources
Brown, L. (2016). The stories of Lou Brown. Retrieved from https://web.education.wisc.edu/lbrown/wp-content/uploads/sites/41/2016/06/STORIES-OF-LOU-June-10-2016-1.pdf