Six Reasons Inclusion Matters

Written by Dr. Betty Patten

01/28/2023

Inclusion is important for several reasons, including:

1. Social and emotional development: Inclusion promotes a sense of belonging and self-esteem among individuals with disabilities, and helps to develop social skills, such as communication and cooperation.

2. Educational benefits: Inclusive education provides individuals with disabilities access to the same curriculum and instruction as their non-disabled peers, which can improve academic outcomes and increase the chances of success in post-school life.

3. Preparing for adulthood: Inclusion helps individuals with disabilities to develop the skills and experiences they need to be successful in adult life, including employment, independent living, and community participation.

4. Promoting acceptance and understanding of diversity: Inclusion helps to promote understanding and acceptance of diversity among all individuals, regardless of their abilities. It helps to create a more inclusive and equitable society for everyone.

5. Cost-effective: Inclusive education can be more cost-effective than special education, because it allows for the sharing of resources and the use of general education teachers rather than specialized staff.

6. Legal requirement: In many countries, inclusion is a legal requirement under laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) in the United States, and the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) in the United Kingdom. These laws require that individuals with disabilities be provided with equal access to education and other opportunities.

Overall, inclusion is important because it helps individuals with disabilities to live fulfilling and independent lives, and it helps to create a more inclusive and equitable society for everyone.