Disability interpretations of "Inclusion"
The word "inclusion" is not an acceptable term for many people and has been banned with DEIA initiatives. However, the term "inclusion" has had its own unique meaning for people with disabilities since the 1960's, so it's important for faculty to understand what it might mean.
In higher education, there are various definitions of inclusion related to people with disabilities, including:
In higher education, there are various definitions of inclusion related to people with disabilities, including:
- Special education teachers use the term to describe inclusion of students with disabilities in general education courses from preschool through graduation from high school. First-year college students may therefore think of "inclusion" as being educated with nondisabled students.
- A welcoming accessible campus environment for people with disabilities.
- Students with intellectual disabilities (like Down syndrome) participating in campus-based Inclusive Higher Programs.
- Being included in campus, with disabled college students having the same opportunities as nondisabled students, while maintaining high standards and the same expectations for all students.
Image of reality, equality, equity and liberation is from https://www.researchgate.net/figure/The-difference-between-the-terms-equality-equity-and-liberation-illustrated-C_fig1_340777978
Both inclusion graphics are from Wendy Harbour ([email protected]), with graphics from Academic Women at Simon Fraser University (https://www.sfu.ca/academicwomen.html)
Both inclusion graphics are from Wendy Harbour ([email protected]), with graphics from Academic Women at Simon Fraser University (https://www.sfu.ca/academicwomen.html)
