Page 3 - LESSION 21.pmd

a
Inclusion : Concept and Practice
• culture

• disabilities
Notes
Inclusion entails remodelling and enriching the general education system,
making it more comprehensive, supportive and responsive to the needs of all
children. Inclusive education ensures that children with special needs are taught
in regular schools with their age and grade peers with support services provided
within the school system. Thus, it reflects the objective of providing quality
education to all children by accommodating their needs and learning styles into
the general curriculum. It means all learners are able to learn together in regular
schools with appropriate support network. It believes that all children are
valuable members of society, whatever their difference and diversities are.
Besides, it is a matter of human rights of all children to be together in the
existing general education system with their unique characteristics, interests,
abilities and learning needs. Therefore, such an education system and programme
needs to be designed so that needs of all learners are addressed and diversity
is respected.

Inclusion involves a shift of focus from disabilities to the abilities of children
and modifies the education system to suit the needs of all learners. It is about
creating inclusive policy, inclusive culture and inclusive practices at all levels
of the school system. It can be achieved by developing the capacity of schools
to respond to children’s individual needs. It implies the transformation of
traditional approach to a new approach of teaching and learning. Inclusive
education ensures holistic development of each child. It requires that we value
diversity in teaching and adapt the teaching approaches to support them.

21.1.1 Benefits of Inclusive Education

The benefits of inclusive education for Children With Special Needs are :
• Ensure the children right to equal educational opportunities in regular
schools
• Provide opportunities for interaction that would not be otherwise possible
in segregated settings
• Maximise educational potential of each child

• Involves children actively in their own learning as well as in the learning
of their peers
• Provide a wide range of learning and teaching programmes that encourage
all children to participate, learn and experience success
• Sensitize children and teachers to ensure that there is no discrimination
• Set the goals for children in the classroom according to their ability and
interests

EARLY CHILDHOOD CARE AND EDUCATION 203