Scanning Pens’ Post

Charting New Horizons in Inclusive Education: Reflections and Resolutions My journey with inclusivity has been marked by profound moments of realisation, much like the one at a workshop where the stark reality of societal attitudinal barriers came to light. This moment was a catalyst, urging me to embed inclusivity not just in #education but as a core societal value. It's a lesson I carry with me, driving my mission to embrace and celebrate the individuality of each learner. This commitment is exemplified by the story of my student with Cerebral Palsy. Her ambition and achievements against the odds have profoundly influenced my approach to #teaching and #inclusion. These experiences reinforce the belief that inclusivity is not a static goal but a dynamic, lifelong journey requiring continuous effort and #empathy. This year, my aspirations are anchored in the belief that #education must be universally accessible and fundamentally equitable. My professional resolve is matched by a personal desire to see mental health care become as accessible as physical #healthcare. Here's to a year of breaking barriers and creating inclusive spaces for every learner. #DiversityInEducation #InclusiveCulture #DifferentiatedTeaching #EmpathyInTeaching #InclusiveLearning #BreakingBarriers #InclusivityMatters #Resolutions2024 #Aspirations #Welcome2024 #EducationForAll

Let me give you one reason you might expect, and two reasons you might not expect as to why you should read the article "Celebrating Neurodiversity at Smith’s Hill High School" (written by Brodie Jones & Daniel Jones): 1.       Neurodiversity Celebration Week presents an opportunity for you to reach out and tell every student that their mind, their experience, their ideas, their differences, their striving to overcome challenges, and their character, are all wholly valuable. 2.       Neurodiversity Celebration Week is an important step towards helping students, teachers, and parents all better understand that along with the challenges that neurodivergent learners experience and may need support for, there are likely equally inherent strengths that present opportunities for the individuals’ success, confidence, and valuable contributions to the classroom, workplaces, communities and beyond. 3.       If you do not take active steps towards fostering a school culture of valuing differences in thinking, processing, and learning, the risk of underachievement and disengagement increases; including for students who are gifted, or twice-exceptional. Neurodiversity Celebration Week presents an opportunity to shift perceptions of neurodivergent people to more of a strengths-based view and to cultivate a school culture that values ‘difference’. The full article, "Celebrating Neurodiversity at Smith’s Hill High School", can be found in Scan Volume 43, No. 2, pages 28-34; or click on the following link to download an accessible copy: https://lnkd.in/gudk2UmQ Special thanks to the Scan Editorial Team including Therese Kenny and Dr Di Laycock for editing and great support. Daniel Jones

We’re excited to share a thoughtful article by Jordan Knight, Assistant Dean of Students at Grace College, "Thinking Differently: Embracing Neurodiversity within our Residences." In this insightful piece, Jordan explores the importance of creating neuro-affirming residential communities that support and celebrate the unique strengths of neurodivergent individuals. He shares practical strategies on how we can adapt physical spaces, foster inclusive cultures, and provide vital social support to ensure every student thrives. This article is a must-read for anyone passionate about student wellbeing, inclusion, and the future of student accommodation. Check it out and let's start a conversation on how we can all do more to support neurodiversity in our communities! 🧠✨ #Neurodiversity #Inclusion #StudentWellbeing #GraceCollege #APSAA #LeadershipInAction

My article on ResearchGate, titled “Integration Vs. Inclusion in the Education System,” has achieved over 40,000 READS. This is an achievement I am proud of. #WeAreBillionStrong #EducationMatters #ResearchSuccess #InclusionWins #EducationForAll #EducationInsights #DiversityInEducation #InclusiveLearning #ResearchAccomplishments #EducationalEquality #ReadershipCelebration #EmpoweringEducation #InclusiveEducation #ResearchHighlight #EducationAchievements #KnowledgeExpansion

Inclusive education is not just a buzzword—it's a necessity in today's society. Embracing diversity and creating equitable opportunities for all students is crucial for building a more inclusive and accepting world. Let's work together to ensure that every learner feels valued and supported in their educational journey. #InclusiveEducation #DiversityMatters #EquitableOpportunities What are your thoughts on the importance of inclusive education? Share your insights in the comments below! Let's continue the conversation and make a positive impact in the education community. #EducationForAll #InclusionMatters #AcceptanceAndRespect

Over the past year I’ve taken on a new practice: Blowing up IEPs. 💥 I am endlessly gobsmacked by the ableist language that is used to measure and compare neurodivergent students by neuronormative standards. 💥 How can these documents be truly individualized if we don’t understand and honor the individual it’s written to support? 💥 Like most things that are shaped by societal “norms,” no one is to blame. However, when we know better, we MUST intentionally take the steps to do better. 💥 I’m blazing a new path alongside some of my most respected colleagues and friends. If you want in, let me know. Stay tuned for more! #specialeducation #education #selfdetermination #agency #neurodivergent #universaldesignforlearning #neurodiversityaffirming #inclusion #diversity #adventuresincamelot #disabilityawareness 👇🏻 #disabilityacceptance

Let’s dive in… Colleges might charge big bucks to talk neurodiversity, but here’s the real deal. Neurodiversity is all about recognizing and valuing different brain make-ups. It's time we rethink education to support this diversity. Understanding Neurodiversity means acknowledging that everyone's brain works differently – and that's a good thing! We need to celebrate these differences, not just tolerate them. Inclusion Strategies are key. We're talking about creating learning environments where all students feel welcomed and supported. This means tailored teaching methods and resources that play to each individual's strengths. Empowering Neurodiverse Learners is about giving students the tools to shine. It's encouraging them to lead with their unique talents, fostering resilience and confidence along the way. If you’re ready to create an education system that truly values every student, visit ignitechangemakers.com. Let's make change together. #Neurodiversity #InclusiveEducation #Empowerment #neurodiversity, #learningdisablity, #changemakers, #ignitechangemakers, #neurodiverse, #educationalconsultant, #IEP, #education

As educators, we strive to create learning environments that foster academic excellence, social growth, and emotional well-being for all students. Inclusion is a cornerstone of this mission. Inclusive education benefits students with disabilities in profound ways: - Enhanced social skills through peer interactions - Increased accessibility and accommodations - Improved academic performance and confidence - Better preparation for post-secondary education and employment Inclusion also enriches the educational experience for non-disabled peers: - Promotes empathy, understanding, and acceptance - Encourages diverse perspectives and problem-solving - Develops essential skills for a global, diverse workforce To achieve inclusive excellence, we must: - Provide tailored support and accommodations - Foster a culture of acceptance and empathy - Collaborate with families, educators, and community partners Let's work together to create inclusive learning environments where every student thrives! #InclusionMatters #SpecialEducation #DiversityAndInclusion #EducationForAll #Accessibility #Equity

It's essential to recognize that approximately 1 in 5 children face the challenges of learning and attention issues.These bright minds may not fully thrive under conventional education tactics, which is why it's crucial to appreciate the strength in diversity and focus on the wealth of strategies available to light up every student's potential. We invite you to engage in this vital conversation by sharing how alternative learning tools have touched your life or the life of someone you know. #sel #edtech #education #inclusion #neurodiversity #diverselearners

Why are inclusive, intercultural and DEIS school policies separate ? Inclusion and intersectionality Interesting to read the NCSE Policy Advice Paper https://lnkd.in/eRgWU5t5 The (very brief) reference to understanding inclusion through an intersectional lens, for example in the New Brunswick region will hopefully prompt further conversations. Children are included and excluded within their everyday school lives in multiple ways that intersects with societal inequities-which makes it difficult to understand why inclusive, intercultural and DEIS school policies are separate ? #occupationaljustice #equitableconditionsofpossibility