Joe Whittaker The Alliance for Inclusive Education INCLUSIVE EDUCATION A struggle for some but essential for All

There is something I don’t know that I am supposed to know. I don’t know what it is I don’t know, and yet am supposed to know. And I feel I look stupid if I seem both not to know it And not know what it is I don’t know. Therefore, I pretend I know it. This is nerve-wracking since I don’t know what I must pretend to know. Therefore, I pretend I know everything. R.D. Laing, Knots (1970 )

Disability “A loss or limitation of the ability to take part in ordinary life on an equal basis as others due to the physical and social barriers.” Adopted by Disabled People at the International Conference in 1981.

What is Inclusion ? Inclusion is expressed by terms like “belonging” “unity” and “being wanted”. It is not a placement. It is a philosophy that says classrooms - and communities - cannot be complete unless all learners are welcome. Marsha Forrest. Center for Inclusive Education. Toronto,Canada. July 1988.

‘Staff Room Comments’ “... But Mary if I explained it once I must have explained it a hundred times and still she did not understand.” “…I told his mother if she wanted him included he’ll do the same as the other kids” “She has all the support she needs – and still she complained.”.

When you are a baby your mother feeds you from her bozom, but she can only do milk Felicity age 7 I think God’s silly because he should have painted every body the same colour and then they wouldn’t fight Ricardo age 7 My mother ses she’s cold and then makes me put my coat on Colin age 7 You have to love your own baby, because everyone else finds them a newsance Patrick age 8 What Children Say

Sorry you can’t come in because: We don’t have the money. We are not the experts. What about the other students? We have to be realistic. We don’t have the power to changes things. We don’t have the mainstream ready yet. Surely you don’t mean include everyone!