What does “inclusion” mean and how can you encourage inclusion?
Inclusion is the practice or policy of providing equal access to opportunities and resources for people who might otherwise be excluded or marginalized, such as those who have physical or intellectual disabilities and members of other minority groups.
Inclusion looks like providing similar educational opportunities with peers even if modifications are needed.
Inclusion looks like picking a person to be on your team so everyone has fun vs just being concerned about winning.
Inclusion looks like sitting with the kid at lunch who otherwise would sit all by himself, again.
Inclusion looks like inviting a person to a celebration regardless if he is in the “cool” crowd.
Inclusion looks like asking all of the neighborhood kids to play, not just a select few.
These forms of inclusion may not seem like a big deal, but everyone likes to be included, likes to feel appreciated, likes to feel loved. I know my son has missed many opportunities to be included with others – in the community, at school, with friends, and with family, but I truly feel the ones that have missed more are the ones making the decision to omit him. One can learn so much more by fully including others. Patience, acceptance, appreciation and just plain fun can be just a few of those gifts that my son and many others share every day!
Thank you for being on this journey with us, shedding a different light on disabilities!
1 Cor 12:22-27
#specialneeds #specialneedsmamas #specialneedskids #inclusion #createdforapurpose #differentnotless