Inclusion is not just the law.
It’s an ideology I’m convinced to should spring from respect and be integral in every person’s set of core values.
Inclusion should be a core belief in all persons, leading to respecting and including all into our communities, our places of worship, our educational systems and our lives.
I think there’s a huge generational gap in understanding inclusion and special needs.
I recently had conversations with two opposite ends of the generational spectrum. I was in a parent teacher meeting concerning Bethany, and every educator (40 and older) was still using “labels” instead of people first language.
That’s when people talk about a person by generalizations and stereotypes! For example: those down syndrome kids are….the autistics…..,.. those LD kids. It creates a neat and tidy distinction- Normal- and not normal- us and them! Oh how that makes my blood boil!!!! (see previous post- She’s not my Downs kid- She’s my Daughter!)
The general consensus among adults seemed to be congratulatory! Compared to how they remember kids with disabilities were treated, they believe things are a downright Utopia.
The Truth about inclusion is we still have a long way to go.
Yes, we’ve come a long way baby- people with disabilities used to be shut up, drugged up, and chained up in institutions out of sight and sound so that “normal” people wouldn’t be bothered or upset. They were chained, ignored, mistreated and abused. Children with disabilities used to not be able to attend school and when they finally earned that right, they were shuttled off to a different place to be with those of “their kind”. ! It was beyond horrible.
It’s 2014 and things have gotten better, but like it or not, there are still padded rooms in public schools for melt downs and there are those “farthest” removed rooms at school that shelter the severely challenged. There are growing lawsuits and a movement to have cameras in every room to ensure that the abuse to the silent, defenseless will stop!
So, yes. Inclusion is better now- if you’re measuring by the crappy standard of how it used to be.
But there is no way we can rest on our laurels. We should be measuring inclusion by the ideal instead of looking back at the lowest level of disrespect and ignorance. Instead of patting ourselves on the back, let’s open our eyes to the remaining injustices and prejudice and work at eradicating discrimination and exclusion. (If that stirs you up- you gotta follow my friend Lisa- on her fantastic blog about Inclusion: Removing the Stumbling Block)
We have so far to go until we naturally and fully embrace all people with love, kindness, and respect. People are people– NOT their disability or color of the skin or whatever category you try to separate “them” into.
Some of the younger generation sees it. They don’t know how bad it used to be but they know it isn’t how it should be! I had a conversation with two middle school students the other day that expressed their dismay at how kids with disabilities are being ignored and ostracized, separated and excluded. The truth is there is physical inclusion by law. Perhaps, we have taken a shortcut to truly understanding disabilities when we think our job is done when we legislate laws that ensure inclusion. Maybe we undermine the understanding of those who are “different”.
[Tweet “For inclusion & community to succeed, it must spring from love- not the obligation of a law.”]
I have hope because some of the younger generation seeks to not only include but to understand how and why people are different. Some young people seek to bridge the gap and offer friendship and respect to their peers who are differently-abled. Some young people are not satisfied with the status quo and seek a better solution!
I just pray it doesn’t take another generation before inclusion is not just a buzz word or legal position.
Inclusion should be normal. LOVE others.
Surprising Treasures: I’m grateful for God’s love and INCLUSION.
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+145&version=NLT
Psalm 145:8 The Lord is merciful and compassionate,
slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.
9 The Lord is good to everyone.
He showers compassion on all his creation.
10 All of your works will thank you, Lord,
and your faithful followers will praise you.
11
I really appreciated reading this, Cindy. While I was in NJ last week, I spent time with two different friends — each with a son with autism. Both boys are on different points on the spectrum, and both moms have had vastly different school experiences with their sons. I felt absolutely miserable for the one friend, who is a single mom, and has several children with special needs. She is so completely overwhelmed and I had nothing to offer but a listening ear ~~ and prayer, of course.
I appreciate you sharing Susan! For 20 years of our parenting life- we were TOTALLY unaware, untouched, oblivious to the world of special needs. It’s a world people never dream about traveling to – there is isolation, weariness, fear for your child’s future, but most of all there is LOVE and insight and oceans of compassion for others. A listening ear and prayer are everything!!! (and maybe the Lord will put her on her heart to offer words of encouragement and keep praying for her. Praying the Lord will send people into her life to share the load- He’s done that for me and I am so thankful!!!! 🙂 )
So much has improved in this difficult and trying subject. But these are humans, God’s image bearers… Of late I have become concerned that sometimes there is more symbolism over substance when it comes to improving the lives of the disabled. As a pastor and as a dad of a daughter with special needs I know that most churches are really weak in this area. Being proactive can be difficult. But the rewards to children, families, and the cause of Christ is worth it.
And I often wonder, and worry and get angry… with so much pre-natal testing and abortions being done these days and with decisions being made to terminate the life of potentially disabled unborn children… as move into the future, what kind of resources will be made available for the less than perfect person?
Because by the way I am way less than perfect…
Well said. The philosophy of eugenics and a better human race is still alive and thriving- but under the guise of quality of life and full potential.
I think you hit it on the head- symbolism over substance. We can make things look right and sound right but if people aren’t treated right- it’s still not right!
And I think- no, I know, this is a huge mission field for the church- our church. There are so many families excluded because we are uncomfortable with broken, imperfect people. May God fill us with His compassion and give us passion to find a way!
When I worked with orphans in Vietnam, I heard a story about a couple adopting one of our children. They adopted in spite of a grandparent that was very prejudiced against “mixed race” people. But, that grandchild won his heart! Only God knows what it takes to change hearts, for sure, but to paraphrase Dr. MLKing, the law won’t make you love me, but it should keep you from lynching me. Thank you for encouraging us with your experiences, that you do see progress in action, flawed and short of the goal though it might be. God is at work!
Beautiful! Fear is still a powerful force that blinds and prejudices people against people! I love the thought from Dr. M L King! We need the law but we need so much more! Most of the time, I realize how blessed we are to be living in the days of IEP’s and FAPE (fair appropriate public education). What used to be the norm is so terrible, I can’t even think about it for very long. One thing happened last week at school- and it felt like it almost undid the whole good of all the days Bethany had. It made me truly appreciate all the people who gone before me that have been a voice for the voiceless- a champion and defender of those who can’t defend themselves!
My aunt and uncle became pioneers, like you, in refusing to accept the status quo for their youngest child. It wasn’t easy bucking the system, but Carl had a wonderful life and opened many eyes to previously unrecognized treasures. I’m forever grateful to the Lord for giving us the opportunity to be part of the relationship experiencing the love and joy along with often humorous challenges (he was such an adventurer, secretly striking out on his own, he often scared his family silly). 🙂
I had to laugh at your last statement- “secretly striking out own his own, he often scared his family silly” yes! 🙂 Bucking the status quo has usually been my middle name.