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Inclusion in the real sense of the word just does not exist in the vast majority of schools. All kids learn about disability at school is that disabled kids, dyslexic kids and neuro different kids do not get taught in classrooms with the rest of the kids. They get separated, isolated and remediated. They get to sit in a corner of a classroom or in a separated room where they can be taught by an assistant teacher and not a teacher. At times this is done when other kids are outside playing. They become marginalised and segregated because they are the, "SPECIAL NEEDS" kids.
What this means in reality is disabled, dyslexic and neuro different kids become targets for bullies because dyslexic, disabled and neuro different kids are excluded from the main community of children in schools and they can become isolated. I think there was something on the news the other day that said 98% of disabled kids experience bullying at school? Dyslexic kids are much more likely to receive negative feedback from teachers that their peers. It can also impact on self confidence, self esteem and mental health.
Dyslexic, disabled and neuro different kids lose the opportunity to learn from other children and other children lose the opportunity to learn from dyslexia, disabled and neuro diffent kids. As well as the opportunity learn about each other from each other.
So kids who are not disabled, dyslexic or neuro different learn nothing about inclusion what so ever. If you segregate at school the segregation carries on into adult life. If we cannot have inclusion at school how have we have inclusion in society?
So what do we mean by inclusion?Inclusion can be described by as the practice of ensuring that people feel they belong, are engaged, and connected. It is a universal human right whose aim is to embrace all people, irrespective of race, gender, disability or other attribute which can be perceived as different.
Miller and Katz (2002) defined inclusion as: “.. a sense of belonging: feeling respected, valued for who you are; feeling a level of supportive energy and commitment from others so that you can do your best.”
It is about valuing all individuals, giving equal access and opportunity to all and removing discrimination and other barriers to involvement.
From an ethical point of view, human rights are fundamental to overcoming disabling barriers and promoting inclusion.
A human rights approach should ensure positive processes and outcomes for disabled people including treating people with dignity and respect and ensure that society no longer disables its citizens.
Respecting human rights in the delivery of services is not an optional extra but a set of core values and fundamental to public sector reform. Human rights extend to economic, social, cultural, civil and political rights.
Work towards inclusion must be active, involves imagining better and understanding that we all have something to contribute. It encompasses people having control over their own support and making their own decisions (personalisation), participation and presence in their own communities.
Our next goal is to open a dyslexia / neuro diference hub in Fife. The hub itself will have a creative focus but will also provide services to the Fife community. We have a prospective site for our hub, which is located in Lochgelly. This is a unique, huge and ambitious project, and thus we are seeking volunteers who would be able to offer their time on a voluntary basis to support us on this project.
Ideally, we would like to set up a small working group, who would have the right skill set to enable us to succeed in this endeavour. If you have experience of writing funding bids, working on similar projects, writing business plans etc please contact Steve on 01592 756 187.
Around 35% of entrepreneurs yet around 50% of people in prison are dyslexic. Many of those in prison are there because they failed at school and made bad life choices. Many who fail at school are bright individuals; however, our education system fails them. We want to change this for the good of dyslexics and the good of society.
Web site and some of our social media links:
http://www.dyslexiapathways.com/
Many thanks for taking the time to read my blog. Any comments you may have are welcome.
Many thanks for taking the time to read my blog. Any comments you may have are welcome.
Spot on as usual Steve! Thanks for posting.
ReplyDeleteI get worried I have nothing to say ta for the comment
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