| |
WHAT IS INCLUSION?
As an agency that supports people with developmental disabilities we feel better able to speak of the importance of inclusion for people with developmental disabilities, but it is likely very similar or identical for all people. For people with people with developmental disabilities in particular, inclusion is critically important because throughout history they have largely been, and continue to be more often excluded than included in all facets of life.
Inclusion is...
- Being a part of regular activities, physically, emotionally, and socially, and in community settings;
- Having accessibility to all opportunities and events that everyone else has access to;
- Having access to available support required to be a part of regular activities in community settings;
- Being able to contribute and participate in community activities alongside others, and having opinions that are not segregated ones;
- Having your needs accommodated alongside others' needs when creating new activities, events, or building facilities.
Inclusion isn't...
- Being allowed to be physically present but not given the support required to be fully engaged;
- Being considered as an afterthought to the accessibility of activities, event, or building facilities.
For all of us - Inclusion is...
- Living in communities that are potentially safer because of an increased level of mutual awareness, respect, understanding, and acceptance;
- Experiencing the benefits of each person's presence and contribution;
- Living in a community that recognizes and supports interdependence;
- Essential to everyone's well being;
- Everyone's responsibility.
|
|
Top
