The benefits of inclusive education
The CRPD requires States Parties to implement inclusive education systems that ensure reasonable accommodations for children with disabilities. Inclusive education promotes the education of children with disabilities in general education programs. Research suggests all children benefit from inclusive education programs, and therefore every child is better afforded their essential right to education. Inclusive education benefits communities, families, teachers, and students by providing knowledge and understanding of disability related issues. Inclusive education ensures children with disabilities attend school with their peers and teaches them life skills (CRS Vietnam, 2008). Communities also benefit from inclusive schools by gaining more knowledge and understanding about disabilities. The inclusion of children with disabilities in general schools introduces children with disabilities into the local communities and neighborhoods and helps to break down barriers and prejudice. Communities become more accepting of differences, and everyone benefits from a friendlier, open environment (CRS Vietnam, 2008). Schools benefit from inclusive education programs as well.
The concept of inclusive education focuses on each individual child’s ability to learn rather than treating all the children the same. Teachers are able to instruct each child in a more individualized way. All children, with and without disabilities, benefit from a teaching style catered to their individual way of learning. Inclusive education also features different teaching techniques such as drawing, singing, and participatory activities. Studies suggest young children retain more information when they are “involved” in learning rather than just lectured at by teachers. Inclusive education also allows teachers to become more dynamic in the classroom, and thus makes school more enjoyable for children and teachers
(CRS Vietnam, 2008).