True Inclusion Goes Beyond Acceptance
Inclusion means involving everyone, no exceptions. When we talk about education, being inclusive isn’t just about opening school doors to all students, but ensuring that every child, including those with disabilities, different backgrounds, languages, and learning styles, has the right to learn within one fair system that values them equally.According to Linda J. Graham, inclusion isn’t just about placement, it’s about redesigning the system so every child can fully participate. She says, “The default is not inclusive, and the mainstream is still the de facto mode. The truth is that the mainstream is not inclusive, and it’s no surprise that students with disabilities do not thrive there. If inclusion is interpreted merely as placing students with disabilities into unreconstructed mainstream schools, schools designed for the so called ‘average’ student, then of course, it doesn’t work.”
And honestly, that’s exactly what’s happening in some schools in Indonesia. They claim to be inclusive just because they accept students with special needs, but in reality, they still use the same unmodified curriculum meant for non disabled students. Instead of adapting the system, it’s the students with disabilities who are forced to adapt. Worse, assessment systems still focus heavily on academic results. Even when a student has cognitive barriers, they’re judged by the same academic standards as everyone else. Like, hello? Where’s the inclusion in that? True inclusion isn’t just about “accepting” students with disabilities. It’s about embracing them ensuring they have equal rights to learn in ways that match their needs. Inclusion means belonging, not just being there.
I also see that in many parts of Indonesia, not just in schools, people still don’t really understand what inclusion means. There are still so many individuals with disabilities who become targets of bullying and cruel jokes from irresponsible people. Sometimes I can’t help but wonder, has there been no proper education or socialization about equality and human rights for people with disabilities? Because, come on, people with disabilities are humans too, just like us. So why do some people still think it’s okay to mock or laugh at them? I’ve even seen videos on social mediawhere people say things like “I can’t stop laughing when I see a person with a disability” like, seriously? That’s not funny! Inclusion in Indonesia is still very limited. Many people with disabilities don’t get their basic rights, not only in education but also in jobs. It’s still hard for them to find work because of the stigma that sees them as different or less capable.
That’s why I believe real inclusion has to start from awareness and mindset. It’s not enough to make rules or build ramps if people still have negative thoughts about disability. Since childhood, we should teach kindness, empathy, and respect so everyone learns to see differences as something normal. Schools, communities, and workplaces should be safe and welcoming for all people, with or without disabilities. We also need more campaigns and examples that show people with disabilities can succeed when they get the same chances. Because inclusion is not about pity, it’s about seeing their value and saying, “You belong here, just the way you are.”
By: Naura Az Zahra (24010044078)
