What Is Inclusion?
Inclusion is often used as a broad educational term, but at its core, it has a very clear meaning.
Inclusion is the opposite of exclusion.
It is the active practice of ensuring that every person can participate, contribute, and belong not by fixing the individual, but by removing the barriers that limit access.
This aligns with the United Nations’ definition of disability inclusion, which describes inclusion as the meaningful participation of people with disabilities in all areas of life, on an equal basis with others. It is rooted in human rights, dignity, and justice.
What Inclusion Is… and Is Not
❌ Inclusion Is Not:
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placing a student in the room without meaningful participation
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expecting students to “fit in” without support
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offering access to some, while others watch from the edges
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relying on individuals to change while systems stay the same
✅ Inclusion Means:
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changing environments so participation is possible
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removing barriers in teaching, assessment, attitudes, and space
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honouring the dignity and agency of each learner
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ensuring every person can take part as a valued member of the community
The United Nations identifies several key components of true inclusion:
1. Systemic change: Inclusion requires transforming the environments and systems that create exclusion. This can involve changing policies, redesigning spaces, rethinking teaching, and ensuring people are not segregated or sidelined.
2. A rights-based approach: The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities shifts the conversation from charity or compliance to human rights. Disability is not a problem located within a person. Exclusion happens when environments, policies, or attitudes create barriers.
3. Meaningful participation: Inclusion is not simply being present. It is being able to take part, learn, connect, contribute, and shape the community alongside others.
4. Removing discrimination: Inclusion means ensuring fair access, protecting rights, and using practices such as universal design, accessibility, and reasonable accommodation so that every person has a legitimate pathway to participate.
In Schools
In a school setting, inclusion means every student is:
✔ welcomed as a full member of the classroom
✔ supported to learn with their peers
✔ able to communicate and express themselves
✔ invited into relationships and contribution
✔ seen as capable and valued
Inclusion is not a program or placement. It is a way of designing learning and community so no one is left out.
Why This Matters
When exclusion is present, students experience isolation, stigma, or lowered expectations.
When inclusion is present, students experience safety, dignity, and belonging — and learning becomes possible.
Inclusion is a human right.
It is also a profoundly hopeful vision of what schools and communities can be.