Implementing Change: Ways to Make Our Schools Inclusive

Inclusive education is a challenging yet rewarding endeavour. It molds children into individuals who can interact not just with their peers but also with people of various ethnicity and socioeconomic backgrounds. This is why it is vital to practice values that advocate for, respect and encourage each child’s individual strengths and limitations regardless of whether they are categorized under a developmental disability or not. An inclusive school setting will not only shape our future workforce but also render them leaders in any field that requires collaboration.

To understand inclusion, it's important to acknowledge that each student is unique in terms of her/his mind and body, so we should be sure to design classroom activities tailored to the interests and abilities of all students. And since people respond differently depending on each individual's personal history, learning styles, and experiences, we have to keep in mind how every child will react when they're given different opportunities at school.

There are three ways of welcoming inclusive education into schools (As discussed by CBSE)

• Integrated Education

Integrated Education means persons with disabilities or special needs, including those identified with special educational needs are being placed in regular classrooms with some adaptations and resources.

Although many educators and parents are starting to understand how beneficial programs for students who have special needs or challenges can be, these types of programs are not ideal for all schools. Good institutions will provide multiple programs so that all children can learn in a way that best fits their unique needs.

• Special Education 

Special Education is the practice of educating students who are experiencing a challenging transition into the educational system or face other barriers to learning due to their special needs. Students with special needs are given personal attention and care, which in turn helps them reach their full potential. 

This can be achieved by learning strategies that focus on strengths rather than weaknesses, which is why adapting teaching strategies and materials are effective ways of supporting students with special needs. This form of pedagogy focuses on regular visits from instructors, adaptive equipment/materials, parents/guardians being partners in the child's education etc

• Mainstreaming

Mainstreaming is a concept that puts students who are "special" into the mainstream in education and society. The focus is on the needs of these individuals, recognizing that they can achieve and contribute to society, like everyone else.

A student may be classified as being in a special education program. Specialized training and/or assistance is needed to help keep that type of student up with the demands of a general education classroom.

Ways of enforcing Inclusivity:

• It is important to keep a balance if we want all our children to receive equal opportunities. This is why, the school should prioritize admissions for disabled students (such as children with autism) and announce this policy openly. By creating customized education programs that have proven their effectiveness, these students can finally find acceptance and an environment they deserve
• Sensitizing people to the importance of safe guarding special needs children and implementing different strategies for education by using workshops or in classrooms.
• Building a culture for inclusion in the school by supporting policies, practices and legislation to provide access to education for all children, including those with special needs.
• Providing a space where students can be the most that they can be by committing to their growth in accordance with the school's policy manuals.
• Various stakeholders need to be involved in the education of their students. This includes professionals, social workers and organizations such as NGOs and parents.