Two experts in the field of special education made presentations to Avon Maitland District School Board trustees Tuesday night, about the advantages of inclusion over self-contained classroom for students with disabilities.
Dr. Sheila Bennett said the research convincingly supports inclusion. She explained the charity-based approach was to help disabled children if possible, but the rights-based approach maintains that every child deserves an education. She added that the environment must be changed to meet the needs of the child.
Bennett also said social capital was very important to every student, disabled or not -- and everyone has to right to develop social contacts that will help them in later life.
Bennett also pointed out the end goal for education is to encourage young children to be healthy, confident adults, and if they aren't included in their own schools, she asks how will they be able to go to the mall when they're 30.
Bennett said while inclusion is very healthy for the students with disabilities, it's just as beneficial for the rest of the class. She said research and experience shows it helps students without disabilities learn to relate to people who have disabilities and are different from them, and students have said that was an invaluable experience.
The Avon Maitland District School Board has been petitioned by a number of parents from the Listowel area to give their children the opportunity to attend school in self-contained classrooms.
Director of Education Ted Doherty has said while the board generally favours inclusive classrooms, self-contained classrooms are available.