Inclusion

What is "inclusion" and why is it important?  Inclusion is a leagal right (not a privilege) for your child with Down syndrome.  It means that all students attend and are welcomed by their neighborhood schools in age-appropriate, regular classes and are supported to learn, contribute and participate in ALL aspects of the school setting.

For more information, visit 5 of the BEST Inclusive Education Websites you need to know about.

Dr. Julie Causton shares a web series on Inspiring Inclusion and other parent related topics.

Fostering an inclusive school

Inclusion is not a program that is meant for the classroom only. Inclusion is an attitude that permeates every facet of school life.  Check out some articles below to help foster an inclusive school setting.

• 4 Ways Your Child with Special Needs can be Included Outside of the Classroom
• What Kids with Disabilities Bring to the Classroom
• Golden Rule: Support Others as You Wish to Be Supported

Resources to Share

You can accomplish a lot more through kindness than through argument.  Keep the lines of communication open, and share resources with your educational staff to help them support your child.

New Roles for Educators in Inclusive Environments

Inclusion Works!  Tips & Resources

The Inclusive Class  is a great site for inclusion information and updates. 

Check out the Inclusive Class Binder to save yourself time and energy.  And get great practical hints!

The Golden Rule for Supporting Students in an Inclusive Classroom is full of great tips and strategies for promoting independence in students. 

Share this great resource from Inspire Inclusion with your teachers to help explain the benefits of inclusive education to all students. 

National Down Syndrome Society shares resources about Down Syndrome , history, tips for implementing inclusion and identifying barriers to inclusion in Including Students with Down Syndrome with their Typical Peers.  Read more about implementing inclusion online!

Visit DSG's educator page

Need proof on why INCLUSION is the best practice?  Take a look at two studies about inclusion:

• Inclusion and Segregation Study
• Inclusion Study

Films & Videos

Including Samuel - an award-winning documentary film
chronicling the family’s efforts to include Samuel in every facet of their lives.