Inclusion Matters!
Unity in Diversity
What is Inclusion?
The Michigan Disability Rights Coalition recognizes Disability "as a natural and beautiful part of human diversity".
What is Ableism?
Ableism is the discrimination of and social prejudice against people with disabilities based on the belief that typical abilities are superior. A disability can be visible to others or not visible to others; it can be a physical health condition or a mental health condition.
Examples of Ableism:
- believing people with disabilities have less value and worth
- assuming a person can or wants to be healed or saved from their disability
- suggesting people with a disability are inspirational for living their daily lives
- assuming they can't do things for themselves and things should be done unto them or for them
- using 'normal' or 'healthy' to describe non-disabled individuals
- ignoring requests or needs for accommodations
Presuming Competence
Presuming competence is a strengths-based approach belief system that a person has the potential to develop skills and actively participate in their daily lives regardless of a disability. Individuals may need tools, accommodations and modifications required for the greatest level of success desired by the individual.
Examples of presuming competence in school:
- Presume everyone can learn
- Approach every individual like they have the ability to learn, think and understand
- Base data and lessons on what kids CAN DO, not what they can't do
- Encourage all students to share thinking in many ways (pictures, verbal, communication technology, typing, scribing, sounds, movement, etc.).
- Believe and trust that all students can learn
Be sure to check out the resources below to learn more!