The concept of inclusion may still seem fuzzy to many; to put it broadly, inclusion is about embracing each and every individual without any individual making accommodations to the pre-existing environment, structure or attitude. It focuses on the strengths of a person and not their weaknesses.
Inclusion, in its entirety, spans an enormously wide spectrum. As a society, we see the importance of it and yet there still seems to be a barrier; a perception and culture that’s been instilled in the minds of society that we can’t seem to shift.
Shifting a perception or culture is not going to be a walk in the park but we have to start somewhere. Though not the only platform where inclusiveness can be inculcated, the inclusive preschool, is an excellent approach to begin with.
Can you remember the last time you sat next to a friend with special needs or a friend whose behavior was puzzling to you? Chances are, not many of us can.
The findings from the Inclusive Attitudes Survey commissioned by Lien Foundation show that two thirds of the general public felt that Singapore was not an inclusive society and only half of the parents polled said that they were comfortable with their child seated next to a friend which special needs in school. This corresponds with the results from the second part of the survey where parents of children with special needs were polled. Only 28 per cent perceived Singapore to be inclusive.
About 2,600 children in Singapore have been diagnosed with developmental needs and the numbers are on the rise globally, not just specific to Singapore. The survey also found that five in 10 parents were faced with difficulties enrolling their children in preschools and 55 per cent are faced with the issue of preschools not wanting to take in children with special needs. Why are these children denied this opportunity?
Kindle Garden, Singapore’s first inclusive preschool, was built with the purpose of providing all children access to a values-based, inclusive and non-discriminatory environment. This inclusive classroom setting not only embraces diversity and creates a rich environment for enriched learning and growth, mutual respect and understanding but it also allows children to develop soft skills like compassion and at the same time, honing creative thinking through the different ways of play.
To read more on the positive responses to Kindle Garden, click here
Transformation by and large, cannot happen in a day but together, we can address these gaps in society. We can potentially create a butterfly effect that ripples throughout the rest of the community. What role will you play or what actions will you take to help achieve this vision of tomorrow?