KENORA ASSOCIATION FOR COMMUNITY LIVING

Policy on

INCLUSIVE EDUCATION

July 3 2001

The Kenora Association for Community Living is an autonomous, incorporated Association of members of consumers, families and friends. The goal of KACL is to ensure that all people with special needs have the opportunity to live a meaningful and satisfying lifestyle and to interact as equals in their community by providing continuing opportunities for personal growth through education, training, support, advocacy and an informed public.

Our vision of community sees the innate value of each one of its people honoured and protected. We believe that everyone has a right to equal access and meaningful participation.

Every child must have the right to an appropriate education in his or her neighbourhood school and a regular classroom with same-aged peers...in other words in the school and the class, which he/she would attend, was it not for the label "exceptional". The supports and services needed to realize this right must be available to the pupil and to the classroom teacher.

We do not take this position lightly. We know that inclusive education benefits everyone. We know what we are talking about. We started schools when the education system excluded children with disabilities. We have led the fight for all the major advances in "special" education. We know of the success of inclusive education. We see forward thinking Boards of Education in Ontario including all children. We see numerous parents and educators promoting it.

We know it works.

Wonderful things happen to children when they receive an education based in inclusion and integration and individualized support. There are many stories to illustrate every one of the following exciting points.

Social and educational outcomes are improved. Attitudes improve. Kids have appropriate peer models. Strange and inappropriate behaviour often improves or disappears. Kids develop friends...real friends. Graduates of integrated settings tend to do better in the "real world". There is increased motivation to learn when surrounded by other students who are involved in learning. Children become more independent. Parents and families of children with disabilities feel less isolated. Children without disabilities develop a better understanding of differences. Inclusive education tends to be less costly than segregated education. Kids feel better about themselves - all kids.

Changes must be made to Policy and Legislation in Ontario, which will guarantee that every child has the right to an appropriate education as described above. Without such changes, another generation of our children will be denied their birthright - to be a real part of their community. We encourage system for all children of Ontario.