Inclusive Education Video: A UN Global Event

 Now happening LIVE from the United Nations, and available later for viewing: (PREMIERE) Inclusive Quality Education for All - World Autism Awareness Day

 * UN Web TV: https://media.un.org/en/asset/k1p/k1pgh88oqn

 * Facebook link:  https://www.facebook.com/UNWebTV/videos/561654072063158

 * YouTube Link: https://youtu.be/9xqT5gnwSw8

This is near and dear to me because I have fought for this for my son with two public school districts, pretty much since he was diagnosed. Some years were fantastic, and the best that full inclusion in a public education setting can be. Most years were not.

From Kindergarten to Fourth Grade, my son was in full inclusion in a public school, with a 1:1 aide. I was able to be a classroom assistant, so it was a real group/community effort.

In those years, everyone knew him. When I was on school grounds, and even around town, I would constantly hear "Hi, James!" and spot kids and adults waving in a friendly manner. He had access to and modeled behaviours of his peers. His communication skills improved. Almost as importantly, the kids saw James as one of them. In third grade, they were compete for a chance to be allowed to "help James" with a lesson, and his aide facilitated group games of catch on the playground during recess. These classmates were learning empathy and how to work with and accept those who are differently abled. This is huge for our future to work together in the world.

Watching this video is important because public education in the United States has been under attack for many many decades. They are the first state organization to have their budgets cut when states are reducing costs, teachers are not respective or compensated as they should be (and are in other countries), and schools are increasingly being made to be to safety net for families under attack, by providing safe places for homeless students, food and sometimes clothing for families who cannot afford to keep up with rising costs and low salaries, and hostile parent groups (and sometimes the US Secretary of Education) who are using religion and politics to undermine education in a free society.

This is a call to form a better future for inclusive education, which I see as better education for us all.

I encourage everyone seeing this to share and discuss.