What is your philosophy as an educator? My philosophy became apparent to me in 2018 when I heard Norman Kunc speak at the EARCOS/SENIA conference. Norman talked about fostering an individual's ability by providing them with opportunities. Opportunities arise when we are collaboratively problem solving and working with individuals and not doing and speaking on their behalf. When we presume competence in individuals, believe that ability can take many forms, and that everyone has strengths to build on, we are on track for a more inclusive world for all.

There are many days set aside to recognize the strengths and accomplishments of differently abled individuals. These days allow us all to pause as educators and reflect on our philosophies and how we are contributing to shifting the lenses by which the world views and accepts differences. Two days that celebrate neurodiversity include #WDSD and #WAAD.

World Down Syndrome Day, recognized on March 21st is a day that celebrates ability and creates a single global voice worldwide advocating for the rights, inclusion and wellbeing of people with Down syndrome. Many schools and organizations joined the #SENIAcommunity and lead a successful #lotsofsocks campaign at their school or organization. We hope that this day sparks a call to action and that we all continue to advocate for people with Down syndrome each and every day.

World Autism Day will be recognized this week, on April 2nd. It is a day set aside to recognize people with autism. This day aims to increase worldwide understanding and acceptance of people with autism, foster worldwide support and inspire a kinder, more inclusive world. Dr. Stephen Shore, longtime SENIA member says that “If you have met one person with autism, you have met one person with autism.” SENIA spoke with Dr. Stephen Shore around the 4 A’s of Autism: Awareness, Acceptance, Appreciation & Action during a SENIA Happy Hour podcast. I invite you to have a listen.

SENIA has also designed a presentation you can use for your school. We hope you take action and share it with your school community.

To quote Dr. Seuss, “Why fit in when you were born to stand out?” As educators it is our collective responsibility to empower our students to celebrate what makes us all unique while providing our students with the skills and knowledge required to take on the world. At the same time, we are responsible to educate the world on how to embrace and celebrate differences. Having a philosophy sets the foundation for all we do. Over the next few weeks, reflect on your teaching practices and strategies. Spend some time revisiting and refining your philosophy of education. I challenge you to have a philosophy that focuses on student learning while balancing our role as educators to advocate and foster a more inclusive world for all.

Review by Karen Killeen, SENIA Africa

One Without the Other: Stories of Unity Through Diversity and Inclusion by Shelley Moore

Goodreads / Amazon

Shelley Moore, if you haven't met her, is one of the most logical, humorous and forward thinking advocates for inclusion that I have ever come across. I was lucky enough to present alongside her at the ASIA Conference 2019 in Hong Kong and she is one of those people whose messages punch you like dynamite when you listen to them speak. You come away knowing there is a solid connection around her knowledge and the theory when it comes to advocating for disability and inclusion in schools.

And her book reflects just who she is. One Without The Other must be one of the most accessible academic books I have ever read. It may be slim but it is packed with content. She delivers her concepts through her experiences and carefully crafted stories, thus making it totally relatable and leaves you energised and focussed to apply these ideas in your own setting.
My takeaways from this book are that:

• Inclusion is about community and not just Special Needs.
• Inclusion is about purpose within a space.
• Inclusion is not about tolerance but all about celebration.

About the reviewer: Karen Killeen works in the Learning Support Department at the International School of Uganda (ISU). As a member of SENIA for the past 6 years, she has presented at SENIA conferences specifically on Inclusion through Forest School. She leads a virtual Inclusive Book Club. You can join her on Instagram: karenkilleen2020 every Monday @ 5pm EAT (East African Time)