What is Inclusion?
It’s April and that means it’s Autism Acceptance Month (also previously called Autism Awareness Month). This month, it's crucial to reflect on the values of inclusion and understanding within our communities. And while these are principles we want to practice and bring awareness to daily, Autism Acceptance Month gives us the opportunity to take a pause and remind our community of what is important. Inclusion goes beyond mere tolerance; it's about creating spaces where everyone, regardless of their differences, feels valued, respected, and fully integrated. In this blog post, we'll delve into what inclusion truly means, why it's essential, and debunk some common myths surrounding inclusion and autism.
What is Inclusion?
Inclusion is a philosophy and practice that advocates for the full participation and engagement of all individuals, regardless of their differences or abilities. When we think about education, it’s the educational philosophy that children with and without disabilities deserve to be educated side-by-side. It's about creating environments where diversity is not only acknowledged but embraced and celebrated. In inclusive settings, everyone has equal access to opportunities, resources, and experiences, and their voices are heard and valued.
Why is Inclusion Important?
Inclusion is essential for several reasons! Inclusive environments promote diversity by recognizing and celebrating the unique strengths, perspectives, and experiences of every individual. They also foster equity by ensuring that everyone has equal access to opportunities and resources, regardless of their background or abilities. Inclusion also helps build meaningful connections and relationships among people from diverse backgrounds. It encourages empathy, understanding, and mutual respect, leading to stronger and more cohesive communities.
Having an inclusive environment provides individuals with opportunities for personal growth and development. By engaging with people who have different perspectives and experiences, individuals can broaden their horizons, develop new skills, and gain a deeper understanding of themselves and others. Inclusive environments encourage collaboration and idea-sharing, leading to the generation of new ideas and solutions to complex problems.
“Diversity is being invited to the party. Inclusion is being asked to dance.”
Common Myths About Inclusion and Autism
Despite the importance of inclusion, there are several myths and misconceptions surrounding it, mostly when it comes to autism. Let's debunk some of these myths:
Myth: Inclusion is about making accommodations for individuals with autism
- Fact: Inclusion is not just about making accommodations! It's about creating environments where everyone feels welcome and valued. Accommodations are essential, but true inclusion involves systemic changes that promote acceptance and accessibility for all individuals. For example, having inclusive schools involves educating children with and without disabilities together. Children don’t have to be in separate classrooms and can see exactly how everybody learns in different ways. This promotes empathy and understanding.
Myth: Individuals with autism prefer to be isolated and don't want to participate in social activities.
- Fact: While some individuals with autism may have challenges with social communication, many still do enjoy social interactions and benefit from inclusive environments that support their needs. We can’t assume that someone doesn’t want to be involved because they don’t know exactly how to be involved. Inclusion provides opportunities for autistic individuals to develop social skills, build friendships, and participate fully in community life.
Myth: Including individuals with autism in mainstream settings lowers academic standards.
- Fact: This one is a huge myth, actually! Inclusive education has been shown to benefit all students, including those with autism, by promoting academic achievement, social-emotional development, and positive peer relationships. When properly supported, students with autism can thrive in inclusive classrooms and contribute to the overall learning environment. We sell our children short by assuming their level of intelligence and understanding, especially when they are tested by neurotypical standards and don’t have the accommodations they need.
Myth: Inclusion is too expensive and impractical to implement.
- Fact: While there may be upfront costs associated with creating inclusive environments, the long-term benefits far outweigh the expenses. Inclusive practices can lead to improved outcomes for individuals with autism, increased productivity and innovation in the workplace, and a more cohesive and resilient society.
At Learning to Play, we advocate for inclusion for all. We believe that children with and without disabilities should be invited together, learn together, and grow together. Yes, some children need and deserve accommodations. But, we also learn how to value each child individually. Inclusion is not just a goal; it's a fundamental human right that we must strive to uphold every day.
By advocating for inclusion, we not only support individuals with autism and other disabilities, but we enrich our communities and society as a whole. Let's celebrate our differences, build bridges of understanding, and create a future where everyone feels valued, accepted, and included.
