How To Promote Inclusion Amongst Children At School and In Social Situations

Inclusion amongst special needs and non-disabled children is an important part of socialization; children need to experience all kinds of people, not just those who are similar to themselves. Promoting inclusion will educate children about disabilities and foster an acceptance of the differences between people .

Because students often shy away from what they do not understand, it's important to educate them about the disabilities of their peers. Once the children understand why some of their peers are different, they will be more likely to interact with them. The formal education based on the facts of the disabilities, paired with the social education that all of the children share similar qualities, despite their physical differences, will foster an acceptance of the differences in others.

Instead of separating the disabled and non-disabled children in social situations, they should be included in the same activities. By having them participate in different activities, the children learn to separate themselves, even if they would not naturally do so. For example, special needs and non-disabled children should have recess at the same time at school. By separating them, they are taught to maintain a distance from one another.

It's also important to ensure that all of the children get equal amounts of attention. While the kinds of attention they get will differ, based on their individual needs, they need to all feel like they are receiving the same amount of care. This will put them on a more equal footing, making it easier for them to socialize.

Cultural prejudices and discrimination are learned at an early age, so it is vital that inclusion is taught during the early stages of development. School and other social settings are the perfect mediums for this lesson and, if inclusion is promoted, can serve as the foundation for lasting friendships.