Inclusion myth buster

The Inclusion myth buster tip sheet contains a quick reminder of what inclusion is (or isn’t). It’s useful for when you need to dispel some of the common myths and misconceptions about the value of inclusion in a learning community.

You can download a PDF of this resource or scroll down to read it online.

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Inclusion myth buster

Myth: Inclusion is only about children and young people with developmental delay or disability.

Truth: Inclusion is about access, engagement and success for every child and young person.

Myth: The rest will miss out if a child with additional needs is included.

Truth: All children can benefit from opportunities to learn from, and with, each other.

Myth: Inclusion is about everyone getting the same thing in the same way.

Truth: Inclusion is about creating an environment that allows every child or young person to participate meaningfully. 

Myth: Securing adequate funding is the best way to improve inclusion.

Truth: Funding can certainly facilitate and support inclusion, but it’s not the only factor.

Myth: Inclusion is a problem.

Truth: Inclusion is an opportunity. 

Myth: In mainstream early learning services and schools, children and young people with a significant disability or developmental delay won’t get the support they need.

Truth: When mainstream early learning services and schools plan for inclusion using widely accepted principles, such as Universal Design for Learning, this can create a space where every child can access the support they need.

Myth: Once you’ve ticked all the boxes on an ‘inclusion checklist’, you’re done!

Truth: There’s no-one-size fits all when it comes to inclusion. You don’t ‘do inclusion’ according to a checklist. It’s always evolving and changing.

Myth: Inclusion is the charitable, morally right thing to do.

Truth: Inclusion is a basic human right.