Inclusion is a term which describes the ideology that each child should be educated in the general education environment in the school that they would regularly attend, to the maximum extent possible.

Inclusive schooling is both a belief and a practice where all children learn in their local schools in classes with students their own age. This encompasses all children students with disabilities, gifted students, children from a wide range of racial and cultural backgrounds, and more. Inclusive schooling is about truly including all children together in an effective learning environment. A fully inclusive school enrols and effectively supports all learners, regardless of ability, tailoring learning to individual requirements and making sure those requirements are met. In inclusive schooling children bring their own unique strengths, experiences and understanding to the classroom. Society is richer when all children are valued.

According to Verma & Bagley, “Equality has long been a major goal of education around the world. As early as 1948, Article 26 of the United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that, “everyone has the right to education” and “education shall be free, at least at the elementary and fundamental stages” (2007, p. 3). In relation to this statement, most governments who are members of the United Nation have made substantial efforts geared towards the realization of this Universal Declaration of Human rights.

There is a credible evidence to suggest that educational investment on an individual not only benefit the individual personally, in terms of their earnings, but the society as a whole in both economic and social areas . Inclusion is a philosophy that focuses on the process of adjusting the home, school and the larger society to accommodate persons with diverse needs. All individuals regardless of their differences are accorded the opportunity to interact, play, learn, work and experience the feeling of belonging.

Besides, they are also allowed to develop in accordance with their potential and abilities. Inclusion therefore, calls for various persons to be fully involved in all aspects of life which include: education, employment, access to Information, decision making process, community and domestic activities, recreational and social activities, and access to consumer goods and services such as electricity and clean water supply .

There are so many benefits for inclusive education.

Students with disabilities have the opportunity for:

experiencing full citizenship in school and the community,forming a wide circle of friends,experiencing academic challenges,

enjoying the satisfaction of achievements,

learning to rely more on friends than teachers,taking new risks,

finding they can master activities they may not have tried in special classes.

Teachers have the opportunity for:

setting an example for nondiscrimination and acceptance of people’s differences using creativity in their teaching,

workings closely with parents to understand student strengths and needs,

working with a wider circle of teachers and specialists,

being a leader and role model for other educators,

eliminating preconceived ideas about students with disabilities,

making significant change in the life of a student with disabilities as well as others in the class.

Education is very important for every country. Education begins at home and continues throughout our life. There are many reasons why people need education. It helps them to learn new things, find good jobs and lead a respectable life in the society. The more educated a person the higher the chances of success in life.

Education is also important for other reasons. Education helps us to lead a good and healthy life. Education helps us to know the uses of various types of food and how to consume them. It also educates us about how to protect ourselves from diseases and stay away from bad habits. Education is also important for us to defend ourselves and our country.

Inclusive education is a complex and controversial approach in creating a school for all and managing to meet the diversity.

If it is properly implemented, it can bring about academic and social benefits to all learners.

• By HIBA FATHIMA