How do policies promote inclusion

Another important concept is that of the way equity relates to fairness. In many countries, the concept is inclusive education is still solely associated with the idea of providing education to children with disabilities within mainstream education settings. In that sense, inclusive education involves not only technical changes such as the modification of curriculum, assessments, pedagogical strategies, etc.

Ministries of education should build consensus around the definition of the concepts of equity, inclusion and inclusive education. Build consensus through a multi-sectoral and multi-level approach by involving all government agencies, ministries, civil society organizations such as advocacy organizations, Disability Peoples Organisations DPOs , children and youth particularly those who are marginalised , teachers, teacher educators, teacher unions, families, community members, professional associations, researchers, political and religious leaders, specialist organisations and centres, service providers and local education authorities, among others.

Implement an effective communication strategy through multiple channels to reach the widest extent possible of stakeholders. A number of potential strategies are:. Review existing policies and legal frameworks. Countries should gain a clear vision of the specific aspects of their education system which should be enhanced to ensure the right to high-quality inclusive education for all. To do so, countries should first perform a diagnosis of the state of equity and inclusion in existent policies, legal frameworks and the education system overall.

Foster equity and inclusion throughout all educational policies. Building inclusive systems should be part of a comprehensive reform of the education system the process cannot be taken in isolation or as an additional policy. For more information consult Policy pages Equitable teacher distribution ; Teacher training ; School infrastructure ; Equity-sensitive curriculum ; Textbook availability and content ; Budget allocation and financial incentives.

Finally, it is key to involve multiple stakeholders. Build genuine partnerships between the national government, different ministries, national and international organisations, local and school educational authorities, families and communities, teachers and teacher educators, students, specialised centres and specialists, among many others.

In addition, school-to-school collaboration should be enhanced. The right to free public education should be ensured for all. When the private sector is involved, States must regulate their involvement to ensure that the right to education is respected The Abidjan Principles, The focus should be geared towards those who are particularly vulnerable to any form of exclusion as well as to contextual barriers that limit the access, participation, and learning of many individuals within the education systems, instead of focusing on what certain individuals lack Ainscow, What are the advantages of inclusion?

The advantages of inclusion far outweigh any drawbacks, however, and the drawbacks can often be mitigated. They get an opportunity to learn acceptable social behaviors and to learn from their peers.

Kids social and emotional needs also must be considered. It is important for kids to have as normal a school experience as possible. Increased Tolerance: Inclusion is better for kids without special needs than keeping kids with special needs isolated. The more kids with special needs are included the more their peers start to see the kids for who they are. Children from inclusive classrooms have more opportunities to develop tolerance for differences and empathy for others.

For inclusion to work well, schools and classrooms need to foster inclusive environments. But how? Build Relationships: It is important for teachers to foster a one-on-one relationship with each of their students as much as possible.

This can be accomplished by greeting them each at the door, asking them about their interests, and using genuine praise in the classroom. Celebrate Diversity: Pay attention to the materials you use in class. Do they depict children from a variety of backgrounds and with varying abilities? How do books, videos, and other materials portray children with special needs? Celebrate the diversity in your classroom and teach your students to do the same. Educate Yourself: Educate yourself about the specific disabilities any of the students you work with have.

You can then educate your students. Education leads to understanding which then leads to compassion and connection. Encourage Interaction: Give students opportunities to interact with each other so they can build friendships and a sense of community. Strengths-Based Approach: Everyone has strengths and weaknesses. Help kids develop their strengths and see that kids with special needs have strengths too. Focus on progress, no matter how small. These teaching strategies help students of all backgrounds to be successful in the regular education classroom.

Differentiate Instruction: When teachers differentiate all students can participate and work at their current ability. Make Objectives Clear: Posting and reviewing objectives in age-appropriate language helps all students achieve the desired objective of each lesson.

City of Boca Raton, U. Ellerth, U. Inclusion policies can play a huge role regarding item 3 above and can help with item 2 above. With regards to item 3, the inclusion policies should provide communication and remedial paths for employees when inappropriate actions are perceived. The failure to pursue such remedies by employees can be used by employers to avoid liability with the exception of direct supervisors under certain circumstances.

Regarding item 2 above, the policies themselves along with any training can serve as reasonable care by the employer to prevent and correct behavior. Another legal benefit is that inclusion policies give power to employers to take action to terminate, suspend or punish offending employees. Further, inclusion policies bolster state and federal law and serve as a reminder to employees of their obligations as well.

Depending on your industry, it may not be a one size fits all policy. Now is a great time to consult with your HR professional and an experienced attorney to ensure that your policy is right for your business. You can find their sample diversity and inclusion policy here. These handbooks form a condition of employment and a way to influence the behavior of employees.

Making such policies a part of the Employee Handbook will not only serve as a caution to employees, but also outline the possible remedies and safe harbors of those who may become the subject of any violation of those policies.

Employee Handbooks and your website set the tone not only on how the business is run but also for demonstrating where management stands with its culture and employees. Make it clear that the business promotes an environment of inclusivity regarding, at a minimum, gender, race, national origin, disability, age, religion, marital status and sexual orientation.

More recent inclusivity policies, such as the Office of Solicitor in the United States Department of Labor, include gender identification, political affiliation, language, veteran status, family structure, socio-economic status and geographical background.

Another business benefit, especially on websites and in recruiting materials, is that it helps cast a wider net for talent. Attracting talent of all types helps a business broaden its reach and makes the business more attractive to talented people who may be worried about certain work atmospheres. Having more candidates gives a business a leg up on its competition and makes hiring more competitive.