To include or not to include?

I want to thank my friend Tara for her live video in which she talks about what inclusion looks like in the business world, as this is what inspired my blog for the week. Wouldn’t it be amazing, wonderful and an incredible step for humanity if we lived in a fully inclusive and accessible society? That is my dream and hope. I want to share with you situations in my life where inclusion has proven to be a strength and also a challenge.

I want to first reflect on my school experience. I know that I learn best in a small group setting and that I am a strong verbal communicator. In junior high school  I remember having a split schedule in  grades 7 and 8, I was in a smaller group setting for subjects such as math, english and science. That worked well for me because it was geared toward my style of learning but what happened the following year and through high school was that I had to learn how to cope in all subjects in a full size classroom but in high school I was allotted one hour a day to get support on homework and assignments.  Coping in a full size classroom with one teacher poses a challenge as a student because if you can not understand what is being taught it causes stress on many levels.

I want to first reflect on my school experience. I know that I learn best in a small group setting and that I am a strong verbal communicator. In junior high school  I remember having a split schedule in  grades 7 and 8, I was in a smaller group setting for subjects such as math, english and science. That worked well for me because it was geared toward my style of learning but what happened the following year and through high school was that I had to learn how to cope in all subjects in a full size classroom but in high school I was allotted one hour a day to get support on homework and assignments.  Coping in a full size classroom with one teacher poses a challenge as a student because if you can not understand what is being taught it causes stress on many levels.

I fondly remember my 30^th birthday celebration as a time for me to celebrate with everyone who mattered in my life, the venue was accessible and everyone was welcome.

Inclusion is not a concept that everyone’s thinks about but society is slowly becoming more accommodating. Let’s continue to work hard, to nurture, to celebrate and to be thankful that we are all a wonderful unique mosaic of gifts, and  let’s make what’s on the inside count the most!