Inclusion For Children With Disabilities And Non-Disabled Children

“Inclusion isn’t a strategy to help people fit into the systems and structures which exist in our societies; it is about transforming those systems and structures to make it better for everyone” (Richler, 2016). This is a quote by Diane Richler explaining what inclusion is. Inclusion is a strategy that allows children with disabilities to go about their day in a normal classroom setting. Inclusion can positively affect both the disabled and non-disabled children in the classroom if it is done in the correct way. Although, some people do believe inclusion can have a negative impact on the children involved, the benefits outweigh the deficits. There are certain laws in place in the education field that promote inclusion. Inclusion is also important

The National Institute for Urban School Improvement concludes, “When children with disabilities are given the opportunity to spend their time with non-disabled children it promotes their development in many different fields” (Improving, 1999). Non-disabled children become role models for children with disabilities. Non-disabled children model appropriate behavior for disabled children. Children with special needs then often mimic this behavior. Research suggests that children who have multiple interactions with peers and adults throughout early childhood show a marked improvement across multiple areas of development. This interaction with non-disabled children allows improvement of social and emotional skills. William Henniger and Sarika Gupta’s article "How Do Children Benefit from Inclusion?" explains “children would not have the opportunity to observe and mimic the behaviors of higher functioning children in non-inclusive settings” (Henniger and Gupta, 2014). Inclusion classrooms also allow opportunity for the development of self-help skills. Children with special needs often observe non-disabled children completing tasks and doing things on their own and strive to do the same. The interaction between non-disabled and disabled children is very beneficial to the development of disabled

William Henniger and Sarika Gupta’s article "How Do Children Benefit from Inclusion?" also explains “first, the mere inclusion of children with disabilities prompts typical peers to become more understanding of and to develop positive attitudes toward their diverse counterparts” (Henninger and Gupta, 2014). This interaction allows children to understand everyone is different and the world is diverse. This also allows non-disabled children to develop their self-esteem, confidence, autonomy and leadership skills. It also will prepare them for life in general. This article also says “when children are exposed to inclusion at an early age and consistently throughout their lives, they are more likely to approach children with disabilities with acceptance and are less likely to view a disability as an impairment” (Henninger and Gupta, 2014). This exposure to diversity will help these children become more accepting people in the