Inclusion is a culture based on the acknowledgment that every person is entitled to respect, dignity, equal rights under the law, and opportunities for a fulfilling life within the community. Inclusion is based on the notion that every person is unique, and special, has special needs and deserves individualized adaptation.
Inclusion is a culture of acceptance into everyday life by families, friends, neighbors, teachers, employers, and all others. To stay vital and relevant, inclusive culture needs an on going process of renewal, building, maintainance and further development of support networks, while preserving values and good work practices. Inclusive culture is based upon and is in need of Ethos, Example, Experience and Experimentation.
This resource will support these needs. In theory and practice, through documentation, testimonials, and interviews, with people who have been part of the evolution of the thought and working methodology of inclusive education and independent life.
Our project is based on a life long approach to inclusion. (‘Womb to Tomb’) We identified the main transition points in a person’s life- time and we work to provide useful content that will imprint and strengthen the Ethos, will provide vivid and thought provoking Examples, and will share the rich Experiences and reflections of those who have made inclusion happen.
The spirit, experience and the insight gained will strengthen the sense of purpose and the philosophy behind the inclusive culture. It will help prepare current teachers and future educators to be problem solvers, and finding individualized responses through creativity, collaborative teamwork and Experimentation.