The Value of an Inclusive Education System

An Inclusive Education is a system that incorporates students with diverse needs, including those with disabilities, into regular classrooms and provides them with effective academic support and knowledge. Students with disabilities also need quality education to develop their full potential and feel a sense of belonging as UNICEF highlights, “Every child has the right to quality education and learning”. The estimated number of children with disabilities around the world is around 240 million, and yet they are often neglected or face challenges in society. Disability is one of the most common barriers to education, which is why inclusive education should be promoted worldwide.

In this blog article, we will explore the importance, benefits, and objectives of inclusive education and the role of the Education Assistant Diploma (EAD) at Ashton College in promoting an inclusive educational system.

What are the objectives of Inclusive Education?

An Inclusive Education System aims:

• To identify and enrol children with disabilities in regular schools and classroom settings to promote equity
• To offer them individual support by understanding their needs
• To help them face challenges and become successful in society

Keys of Inclusive Education:

• Support Diversity: There should be a welcoming and open environment that meets the needs of all students coming from diverse backgrounds. This helps to create a sense of belongingness for the learner.
• Foster cooperation: Inclusive education means collaborating with people by implementing the right support and educational strategies. It involves open communication between educators, parents, the school, and the learner. They all work to encourage participation and make the students successful.
• Consider Needs: Understanding and responding to individual needs is the most important key to inclusive education because every student has a different learning capacity. It means creating a caring and psychologically safe environment to remove barriers to effective learning. To learn more about the principles of inclusive education, check out the linked article from Government of Alberta.

How can we promote the Inclusive Education System? Some Examples …

• Provide a sense of belonging
• Create an open, caring, and welcoming environment
• Train educators to provide an accessible learning curriculum
• Encourage participation
• Help to boost student motivation
• Eliminate biases and differences
• Define laws to support students with disabilities

Government standards to promote Inclusive Education in BC

The Education Ministry has developed learning standards for students with special needs to facilitate student success. The school districts or independent school authorities can develop their own IEPs (Individual Education Plans). To support the principle of equal and accessible education, the government also funds PRPs (Provincial Resource Programs). These are specialized programs to foster inclusive education such as Provincial Outreach Programs (POPs) and support educators, students, families, and communities in addressing the needs of students with disabilities. Provincial Inter-ministerial Programs (PIPs) provide educational programs for school-age children and youth in settings such as hospitals, mental health facilities, substance use programs, or custody programs. For more information on resources by the Ministry of Education and Childcare, check out the inclusive education resources by the Government of BC.

Benefits of providing an inclusive education system in schools and other facilities

• Develop skills: It helps to develop confidence and the full potential of individuals with disabilities. Every child has dreams in their lives and disability often becomes a barrier to achieving them.
• Promote personal growth: By studying in regular classrooms and schools, children with disabilities don’t feel left out by their peers or community, hence promoting personal growth and development.
• Increased opportunities: Inclusive education offers equal opportunities to children with special needs by focusing on their development and learning. It encourages other students to accept individual differences and treat disabled children with respect and courtesy.
• Develop relationships: Inclusive education increases the chances of making friendships and relationships which otherwise are often difficult in a separate learning environment. Since students can connect regularly, it builds their connection with other peers, teachers, and education assistants.
• Improved academic results: Research indicates that inclusive education can lead to improved academic outcomes for all students, including students with disabilities. Inclusive teachers use differentiated and collaborative teaching methods to meet the various learning needs and styles of all students.

How can you support individuals with special needs?

We’ve got you covered with Ashton College’s Education Assistant Diploma (EAD) program which is offered completely online. We encourage essential support to students with diverse needs, ensuring full participation in classroom activities. The Education Assistant Diploma (EAD) program prepares aspiring EAs with the skills and knowledge to help individuals with special needs. You can work in different educational settings upon graduation including private and public schools, after-schools, respite care, and many more. To learn more about the program, visit our EAD page.