Reflection on Inclusion

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A Reflection of Inclusion Inclusion is the educational practice of educating children with disabilities in classrooms with children without disabilities. It is governed by a law that Congress enacted in 1975 Called IDEA -The Individuals with Disabilities Educational Act. (Turnbull and Turnbull, seventh edition) It is based on the idea that all children, including those with disabilities, can and should learn in a regular classroom. However, inclusion is more than just being placed in a regular classroom within a school. It is being included in life and participating using one’s abilities in day to day activities as a member of the community. It is being a part of what everyone else is, and being welcomed and embraced as a member who belongs. (Tomko, 1996) Inclusion can occur in schools, playgrounds, churches, work and recreation. The Thomas Ellerson story as seen in the video and told in the article “Classroom 506” was a deeply touching and eye opening duo. Thomas was born with cerebral palsy but did not let his handicap hinder what he wanted to do in life. Because he wanted to play baseball, his father- Richard Ellerson, went on a quest to find a way for Thomas to become part of a team. That was the beginning of a journey that led Richard Ellerson on a quest to reform how the public school system in New York handled children with special needs. He based his reform ideas on inclusion and the process of negotiating his own child’s individualized education plan. Richard felt that a successful special education program would be one that demonstrated flexibility and as much integration as the child could handle based on each ones individual challenges. Richard also realized that schools were on tight budgets, but his conviction to this cause was so great that he contributed $15,000.00 of his own money to help get the program started. He worked with New
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