LET’S TALK ABOUT INCLUSION
2019 has been declared Year of Tolerance, highlighting the UAE as a global capital for acceptance.
“It is one of the most important attributes that we can impact on our people and the global community to ensure the safety, stability and happiness of peoples across the world.” The President, Sheikh Khalifa said.
Being a part of the community who daily addresses the term Inclusion while working at the Children Therapy Centre. I keep asking myself ‘How do we include?’ Not only as the professionals, teachers or parents of special needs children but as humans. How can we reduce the stigma?
Looking 2 years back I was very narrow-minded too. I want to create more awareness for the people same as me. Firstly what helped me to understand that inclusion is not a strategy to help people fit into the structure or system, it’s about transforming those structures to make it better for everyone.
What is an inclusive education?
Inclusive education means that all students attend and are welcomed– regardless of gender, ethnicity, socio-economic background or educational need. They learn, contribute to, and take part in all aspects of school life. Every person/child is different and learns differently. This is a principal of inclusive education.
We should see diversity as the benefits to help to develop our emotional, physiological and social wellbeing. In my opinion, the impact in classes that includes children with special needs is incredible. Children become more supportive, tolerant and compassioned. The advantages include respect, better appreciation, and understanding of individual differences, and being prepared for adult life in a diverse society. In this way, educational systems should no longer view persons with disabilities as problems to be fixed; instead, they should respond positively to diversity and approach individual differences.
Diversity and inclusion program is all about creating a better place to work for all of us.
How can I make my workplace more inclusive?
- Firstly start talking – discuss it with the coworkers, get the feedback and incorporate new ideas together.
- Leadership is a key – lead by example.
- Inclusion is ongoing – not one-time training. Inclusion doesn’t just happen it needs time and effort.
- Create a sense of belonging for everyone- treat everyone with the same respect, understanding and appreciation.
- Leave your assumptions at the door – ask questions and be the first to start the conversation
- Minimize the fair-understanding that we are all different helps in many cases.
As part of society, we need to foster a culture of diversity and inclusion services to support global development.
So I ask You today: ‘What else WE can do to promote diversity, acceptance & inclusion in OUR lives’?
Written by: Birute K. Marketing and PR Executive
