Episode 12: Advantages of Inclusion (Part 1)

Inclusion with Mansi

So far, there was an introduction to inclusion and then we have heard personal experiences of both individuals as well as parents of individuals with Specific Learning Disabilities share their journey with us. If you would like to share your journey, do get in touch!

Today we are going to focus on the Advantages of Inclusion. I am going to do this in two parts. So welcome to part 1.

In our first 2 episodes, we have discussed what is inclusion and what is not inclusion. In these we covered the terms, exclusion, segregation, integration and inclusion. I hope these terms are clear now. Do go back and listen to the episodes if you need a refresher!

Inclusive education allows students of all backgrounds to learn and grow side by side, to the benefit of all.

From my personal experience, the earlier the students are included, the classroom environment and bonding is a lot better. Younger children see other children as friends and would love to help out. The older they get, the tougher it becomes for them to adjust to differences as biases set in, especially from the adults around them.

Well, did you know that research conducted in inclusive classrooms shows that there are benefits to both neurotypical students (those are students without disabilities) and neurodiverse students (students with disabilities or special learning needs).

In this episode we will focus on some of the advantages for the students with disabilities or neurodiverse students:

• It provides better opportunities for learning since they have the same access to education and facilities as their peers.
• In any classroom you will come across children with varying abilities. Differentiated instructions helps everyone and co-teaching in the class, make it easier for students on an IEP to learn the same material at their level, with their peers. It will make the student feel more involved and as a part of the class. Hence it allows them to work on individual goals while being with other students their own age and it may also make them feel safer as they are not isolated.
• It also helps them learn social behaviors modeled through the other children.
• Students with special needs who are included in mainstream classrooms develop more positive views of themselves, form friendships with neurotypical students, and are better able to keep up with their curriculum and learn important academic skills as well.
• The next one is a personal favourite. Having higher expectations from the student. We know that people rise to the occasion… so students do this as well. In fact, they do it much better than adults. If you expect the child to do something they will try their best to reach that level. However if they constantly get messages that they are not capable of doing it, guess what! They will live up to that expectation as well and.. Not do the work… Just as you expected. Hence it is extremely important to have high but realistic expectations from them as well.
• Lastly, we should note that with a more welcoming, positive school environment, they develop the readiness skills for inclusion outside of school. I know that we all believe that all children deserve to be part of their community and develop a sense of belonging. Thus becoming better prepared for life in the community as children and then as adults.

To sum it up, inclusion may reduce stigma, allow for social learning, increase social acceptance, and improve the social standing of neurodiverse students.

Some food for thought: Do you think that neurotypical students or students without any disabilities would benefit from inclusion? Are you aware of any advantages for them?

Tune in to next week's episode to find out more!