Inclusive Schools Week is held every year during the first week of December. It’s a time to appreciate the hard work and determination of teachers, administrators, students and parents who are making their schools more inclusive. It’s also a time to celebrate the impact that inclusivity in schools has on building a better society.

Why is Inclusive Schools Week important?

Inclusive Schools Week starts and promotes global discussions about the value of inclusivity in schools as well as in communities. This awareness is what will drive our society forward to fostering every student to the same level. 

When everyone is given a fair chance, society benefits from that individual’s talents and presence. Every single human being is completely different to the next; not one of us is exactly the same as the other. And with that, everyone brings their own special something to the world. The problem is that when people are held back by prejudices of others, they don’t get the same shot as everyone else. 

Inclusive Schools Week is also important because it highlights the difficulties that inclusive schools are facing. It gives schools the chance to rally together towards a common goal. It also highlights the need for planning and actioning a fresh, modern education system.

The Time for Inclusion is Now

The theme for 2020 is "The Time for Inclusion is Now.” The implementation of inclusive education planning has been very slow going. This year’s theme asks schools and government bodies to act on plans that have been in process for too long and to create new plans in place of outdated ones.

A more just society is a more inclusive one. When we appreciate the right of every individual to be equal in the eyes of society, the law and in the opportunities that life offers, we can do more. Inclusion for children with disabilities is the same promise that neurotypical children have had since the beginning of modern schooling. 

What You Can Do

Anyone can get involved in promoting awareness for the issues Inclusive Schools Week stands for. If you’re a parent with kids who do not have a disability, you can teach your kids about the importance of kindness, inclusivity, support, and above all, fairness for those who do have a disability. You can show the next generation that there is no difference between citizens with special needs and neurotypical citizens than each human is to one another. We’re all different. If you don’t have kids, but want to help make this a movement, you can share this post. If you’re a teacher, you can show your students the importance of inclusivity using posters and activities.

If you’re looking for reading material for you and your family members or students, here’s a great list from the Community Advisory for Special Education which has something for all ages: CAC Recommended Reading List.

If we want to cause positive change, awareness is the first step. Inclusivity starts at the ground level. In order to have a stronger society, we have to improve and to do that, we have to include. If the masses begin to understand the natural right of every person to be equal in the eyes of the world, we can really start to get this ball rolling and right some antiquated wrongs.

About Stephen’s Place

Stephen’s Place is an independent apartment community for adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities, located in Vancouver, WA (7 minutes from Portland, OR).

If you have a loved one with developmental or intellectual disabilities who is looking for a community to live in, please contact us for more information. 

Stephen’s Place is a private-pay apartment community due to our state-of-the-art amenities and programs. We are a nonprofit and do not profit from our community. We are private pay because we spend more than some housing communities to ensure that our residents are comfortable and can safely live their lives with independence and dignity.