School-based strategies for creating connections through social and psychological inclusion
School leadership, teachers, specialists and parents need to work together to support students with individual learning differences to experience a sense of inclusion and belonging.
- Believe that an environment of inclusion and belonging is possible;
- Get the support of school leadership – moving school culture towards diversity, inclusion and belonging, benefits all students;
- Understand that key role players must work together to develop an atmosphere of mutual understanding, respect and positive social interaction;
- Provide opportunities for students to make their own choices to determine for themselves what they want to do and who they want to befriend;
- Identify areas of interest for each student with individual learning needs, and introduce them to other students with the same interests;
- Provide opportunities for students to make their own choices to determine for themselves what they want to do and who they want to befriend;
- Identify the strengths, gifts and capacities of students – share these with peers as they have the potential to change peer attitudes and enhance inclusion;
- Identify a champion and/or bridgebuilder;
- When drawing up an ILP/IEP, make social inclusion one of the outcomes for the learner with individual learning differences, for example: play groups, after-school activities;
