No matter where you go, whether it be school, or to the park, or to work, or to a religious service or activity, it’s a pretty safe bet that you want to feel valued for whom you are, and that people realize that you have something to contribute. People with disabilities feel the same way. We will talk some about the laws, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, that protect the rights of people with disabilities, but inclusion is more than that. Inclusion is seeking to create a community where ALL people regardless of their abilities and disabilities feel that they belong, and that can start with you.

This unit will look at Inclusion in a variety of settings including the schools, where the movement began, and then branching out to access to the community, including religious groups. As you read, think about what it would be like for you if you did not feel welcome, or have access to each of these places.