Importance of Inclusion

One thing that is distinctly unique about America is the idea of the “American Dream” and one of the main factors incorporated into this equation of the American Dream is the right and freedom of all Americans to equal and fair education. Yet, this American dream of equal public education has not always been fairly offered to all of America’s citizens, and has only gradually been changing over the past sixty years or so. With such constitutionally passed laws as The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 1975 (IDEA), The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1989 (ADA), and The Assistive Technology Act of 1998, this country is ensuring that all people, no matter their physical and/or mental conditions, are given equal access to public education. Inclusion of special needs students within public room classrooms is of vital importance. Special needs kids are entitled to the same educational influences as the rest of Americas’ citizens; it is their right as humans to have the opportunities and benefits the public institutions of education have to offer. Furthermore, the “culture” of the class will benefit by embracing the ideals of equality and freedom of all the individuals. It will help remove psychological borders that many non-handicapped kids may have been instilled with. By having such an integrated classroom all the students will be encouraged to accept individuals no matter their conditions, and truly participate in the diversity this country has to offer. Often non-handicapped children are taught that they are inherently superior than those born with disabilities. Having equal inclusion would help to dissolve such flawed ideologies. By having such equal inclusion, students will be encouraged to adopt more fair and equal ideals within their own lives, and realize that all people are entitled to the same opportunities no matter their physical or mental condition.

Sarah Coker