Inclusion is the act of creating an environment where everyone, regardless of their background, race, gender, abilities, beliefs, or any other characteristic, feels welcome, valued, and respected. It’s about ensuring equal access to opportunities, resources, and decision making processes for all.
But what does inclusion really mean to you?
Think about your daily life; when you take part in activities like school, work, recreation, or public life alongside other people. Do you feel included? Do you have the same opportunities as others, or do you face barriers? Do you take part in inclusive activities or are they segregated?
I will tell you what inclusion means to me and my family:
I asked my husband about a time when he felt our daughter with Down syndrome, Katlyn, experienced exclusion, and he mentioned a situation with the school board. This occurred twenty-three years ago when Katlyn was five years old.
When she was born, it was a shock. With three kids under the age of five already at home, we did not know what to do. I’d like to say we had it all figured out, but when the school district mandated Katlyn to take an IQ test, I lost it. I was upset because they wouldn’t accept her answers in sign language, so being non-verbal, she got a zero. I am usually a pretty composed person, but I ended up screaming and yelling at the preschool teacher.
The reason I was so upset was we wanted Katlyn to go to the same school as her siblings and because of her IQ test result, the school district wouldn’t allow her to do so. We petitioned the school district and ended up having the issue mediated. Truthfully, I can’t remember much about the mediation meeting, I just remember after a full day of getting nowhere, my husband stood up and said, “I am not sure I understand what you are saying; we will contact our lawyer,” or something to that effect. That one statement made the school district reconsider their stance on allowing Katlyn to attend school with her siblings.
The problem with having her go to a school without a special program is they only gave Katlyn a paraprofessional for a half a day — that is all the school district would agree to, but the woman who ran the quiet room became Katlyn’s advocate and helped her through the year. To tell the truth, I am not sure I would make the same decision again, but for one year all four of our children went to the same school, and Katlyn loved it!
After this issue with the school board, I really thought about what inclusion means and what would be best for Katlyn. I think inclusion for a child with Down syndrome involves creating an environment where they feel valued, supported, and able to take part fully. Here are some ideas and what we did.
1. Inclusive Education: Ensure the child attends a school practicing inclusive education. This involves providing necessary support, such as individualized education plans (IEPs), specialized instruction, and accommodations to meet the child’s learning needs while keeping them in the general education setting as much as possible.
What we did: After one year at the school with her siblings, we enrolled Katlyn in a school that had had a program for over twenty years since the inception of the school. The school was truly inclusive, and she thrived.
2. Adaptive Sports and Activities: Encourage participation in sports and recreational activities adapted to the child’s abilities.
What we did: Katlyn has participated in the Special Olympics since the age of seven years old, and she also took part in the adaptive sports program at her school for years. She loves playing sports and is very competitive.
3. Community Involvement: Engage the child in community activities, such as volunteering, clubs, or cultural events. This helps them develop social skills, build relationships, and feel connected to their community.
What we did: Value Village put the call out for models, and we answered. Katlyn has been modeling in the “Embrace your Style” fashion show for about ten years.
Inclusion isn’t just about making space at the table; it’s about recognizing the inherent value and potential in every individual. As we strive towards a more inclusive world, we not only enrich the lives of those directly affected but also strengthen the fabric of our communities and societies. By embracing diversity, fostering empathy, and championing equal opportunities, we pave the way for a brighter, more inclusive future where everyone, regardless of their differences, can thrive and contribute meaningfully. Inclusion isn’t just a goal; it’s a journey we embark on together, one leading us towards a more compassionate, equitable, and vibrant world for all.
When Ann Aubitz was young, the greatest joy for her was reading books. She credits her love of reading to her mom. Ann found the perfect job — publishing books, where she gets to read daily for her job. The co-owner of two publishing companies, FuzionPress and Kirk House Publishers in Burnsville, Minnesota, Ann fills her workdays with the joy of reading. From selecting manuscripts and consulting with authors to editing drafts, designing books, and proofreading final layouts, Ann is immersed in the written word. Her passion for stories is now tightly intertwined with her career.
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