Addis Ababa University

College of Education and Behavioral Studies

Department of Special Needs Education

Inclusiveness
Mihiret A. (MA)
 Chapter One
Concepts and Principles of
Inclusion
1.1 Definition of Inclusion
Inclusion means that all people are entitled to full
membership of the human family. Fundamentally,
inclusion is the principle that:
- We are all entitled to participate fully in all aspects of
society;
- We all have the same rights and responsibilities;
- We all have something to contribute.
It is the principle which demands valued recognition of
all people and the entitlement of all meaningful
interaction, involvement and engagement in every part of
the complex and multifaceted societies in which we live.
Inclusion is the right of the individual and the
responsibility of society as a whole.
Inclusion requires the removal of barriers and social
structures which impede( restrict) participation.
It requires proactive policy making, lateral thinking and
on-going commitment.
 The principle of inclusion accepts group of people or the
segments of the society such as persons with disability as
human diversity.
Inclusion is not a one-time project, rather it is a process
which is ultimately intended to pass through or achieve the
following organically linked steps or processes:

- Developing Inclusive plan or policy/legal frameworks;

- Developing Inclusive culture with in communities and

institutions; and

- Evolving inclusive practice.

There are three dimensions need to be considered for the effective
implementation of inclusive services that accommodate the special
needs of persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups. These
are:
- Create non-discriminatory attitude within communities towards
Persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups;
- Develop accessible and or barrier free physical as well as service
environments for equal participation of Persons with disabilities and
other vulnerable groups in socio-economic and political activities; and
- Empower physical and psychosocial capacity of Persons with
disabilities and other vulnerable groups.
In accordance to the description of (WHO, 2001) regarding
environment in reference to disability, it includes both the
physical and service environments as listed briefly below:
- Technology and product;
- Natural environment and human made change to it;
- Social support and relationships;
- Attitude;
- Policy, system and services.
Inclusion often goes hand-in-hand with diversity, as it
emphasizes creating environments where diverse
individuals feel welcome and empowered to contribute
without discrimination or bias. It applies to various
contexts, including workplaces, schools, communities,
and social settings.
 1.2. Principles of Inclusion
The principle of inclusion is simple. It is the opposite of
exclusion and also alienation. It is the principle that says that
whatever benefits accrue to members of a society are the
heritage of all people, not just those who are able-bodied. The
principles of inclusion guide how we can foster such
environments. Here are some key principles of inclusion.
 Respect for Diversity
Recognize and value individual differences, including
culture, race, gender, ability, age, religion, disability and
socioeconomic background.
Promote diverse perspectives and celebrate what makes
each person unique.
 Equal Access and Opportunity
Ensure that everyone has access to the same
opportunities, resources, and support systems.
Remove barriers that might prevent full participation
for some individuals or groups such as persons with
disabilities, women, orphans etc.
 Active Participation
Create spaces where everyone is encouraged and facilitated to
contribute and be involved.
Actively seek input from underrepresented or marginalized groups
to ensure their voices are heard.
Supportive Environment
Foster an environment where individuals feel safe, supported, and
respected.
Address discrimination, harassment, and bias to maintain an
inclusive atmosphere.
 Collaboration and Partnership
Promote teamwork, shared decision-making, and partnerships that are
inclusive of all stakeholders.
Encourage collaborative efforts that benefit all from diverse perspectives.

Adaptability and Flexibility

Be willing to adjust policies, practices, and environments to meet the needs
of all individuals.
Accommodate different learning styles, communication needs, and
accessibility requirements.
 Continuous Learning and Improvement
Engage in ongoing learning about inclusion, diversity, and
equity issues.
Regularly assess and improve practices to ensure they
remain inclusive as society and norms evolve.
In conclusion, these principles apply to various sectors;
including education, the workplace, community settings, and
beyond, helping create environments where everyone can
thrive.
 1.3. Elements of Inclusion
All children should have the opportunity to learn together,
have equal access to the general education system, and
receive individual accommodation where needed based on
the type of their impairment or other differences.
Hence, the following key elements of inclusion should be
considered in practicing inclusion.
 Equity: Ensuring fair treatment, opportunities, and
access to resources for everyone, while recognizing and
addressing specific needs and disparities
Diversity: Embracing and valuing differences such as
race, gender, age, ability, disability, religion,
socioeconomic status, etc.
Belonging: Creating an environment where everyone
feels accepted, valued, and part of the community or
team.
Respect: Acknowledging and honoring the dignity,
experiences, and perspectives of all individuals.
Collaboration: Fostering teamwork and collective
problem-solving by valuing the contributions of every
member
Representation: Ensuring diverse voices are present
and involved in decision-making processes at all levels.
Accessibility: Designing environment processes
systems that are usable and inclusive for all people,
regardless of ability or disability. This includes
Universal Design, Reasonable Accommodation, non-
discrimination, acceptability and adaptability.
Cultural Competence: Developing the awareness,
knowledge, and skills to engage effectively with people
from different cultures and backgrounds.
Open Communication: Encouraging dialogue,
listening to diverse perspectives, and addressing
concerns or challenges related to inclusion.
Accountability: Holding individuals and
organizations responsible for creating and maintaining
an inclusive environment, including addressing biases
and discrimination.
 1.4. Features of Inclusion and Inclusive Environment
The following are the core features of inclusion.
Diversity Representation: Inclusion recognizes and
values the presence of individuals from diverse
backgrounds, including differences in race, gender, culture,
abilities, disabilities, sexual orientation, age, and
socioeconomic status.
Equal Access: Everyone should have access to
opportunities, resources, and support systems without
facing barriers related to discrimination or bias.
Respect and Dignity: Individuals are treated with respect
and dignity, regardless of their differences.
Participation and Belonging: Inclusion ensures that all
individuals feel they belong and are able to fully participate
in decision-making processes, social activities, and
organizational functions.
 Non-Discrimination: Inclusive environments actively
work against discrimination and bias, whether intentional or
unconscious.
Support for Individual Needs: Inclusion recognizes
that individuals have unique needs and may require
different levels of support to thrive.
Cultural Competence: Organizations and communities
that practice inclusion foster an understanding of and
respect for cultural differences.
Collaboration and Teamwork: Inclusion encourages
collaboration, where people from different backgrounds
and experiences work together effectively.
Empowerment and Voice: In inclusive spaces, individuals
are empowered to express their opinions, ideas, and
concerns.
Accountability and Continuous Improvement: Inclusive
organizations are committed to holding themselves
accountable for maintaining inclusive practices.
 These features together create environments where
diversity is embraced, and everyone feels respected,
supported, and valued.
Inclusive environment is, therefore, social, physical and
institutional/service environment that:

Members of the society or a certain group such as family feel

respected by and connected to one another.

Welcomes all people, regardless of their difference in disability,

gender, language, religion, ethnicity, socioeconomic background
and other forms of vulnerabilities recognizing and using their
potential skills and abilities.
Is respectful, supportive, and equalizing.
Reaches out to and includes individuals with disabilities and
other vulnerable groups at all levels of services and
community life.

Is adjusted to individuals’ needs.

Acknowledges individual difference believing that it is a

source of richness and diversity, and not a problem.
Encourages continuous process of changes directed towards
strengthening different ways of participation of all members of the
community.

Develop culture, policy and practice which meets pupils’ diversities,

towards identifying and removing obstacles in public life and
services.
Why is Inclusion
Important?
Inclusion is important for several reasons, as it benefits
individuals, organizations, and society as a whole as listed
hereunder.
Promotes Equality and Fairness
Enhances Innovation and Creativity
Boosts Engagement and Productivity
Improves Social Cohesion
Reflects Moral and Ethical Values
Better Outcomes for All
 Rationale for Inclusion
The rationale for inclusion can be justified by the following
foundations taking their advantages into account.

Educational Foundations
Children do better academically, psychologically and
socially in inclusive settings.
A more efficient use of education resources.
Decreases dropouts and repetitions.
Teachers’ competency (knowledge, skills, collaboration,
satisfaction).
 Social Foundation
Segregation teaches individuals to be fearful, ignorant
and breed prejudice.
All individuals need an education that will help them
develop relationships and prepare them for life in the
wider community.
Only inclusion has the potential to reduce fear and to
build friendship, respect and understanding.
 Legal Foundations
All individuals have the right to learn and live together.
Human being shouldn’t be devalued or discriminated
against by being excluded or sent away because of their
disability.
There are no legitimate reasons to separate children for their
education.
 Economic Foundation
Inclusive education has economic benefit, both for
individual and for society.
Inclusive education is more cost-effective than the creation
of special schools across the country.
Children with disabilities go to local schools.
Reduce wastage of repetition and dropout. Children with
disabilities live with their family and use community
infrastructure.
It facilitates better employment and job creation
opportunities for persons with disabilities.