“Inclusion” is a word that’s thrown around a lot; it’s heard on the radio and on TV, a goal that society is working towards accomplishing. But what does it mean? Why is it important? And who benefits from disability inclusion?
Let’s define what inclusion is not. It’s not about offering a hand to an underprivileged population. It’s not an act of charity or kindness or service project. And it’s not a scheduled, one-hour visit to another person’s home.
Rather, at its core, inclusion is an outlook that focuses on the strengths and abilities—not weaknesses—of a person; a philosophy that believes that this world is a better place to live in when people interact with and learn from one another, regardless of any physical or cognitive limitation.
From this perspective, a playground is not “diminished” because it provides activities for people who use wheelchairs nor is a synagogue more “inconvenienced” because it offers congregants of all abilities access to its sanctuary. Instead, society collectively benefits from the fact that more people can participate and share in activities, adding unique voices and perspectives to any situation.
I LEARNED THE MEANING OF INCLUSION
Now is my chance to enter a raffle where I can win great prizes on Wednesday, February 6th!