An Inclusive education for an Inclusive society: Is an inclusive education campus the way forward to create an inclusive education system?

In this session, the policy advice published in January 24 by the NCSE, entitled “An Inclusive education for an Inclusive society” will be presented. The policy paper recommends the phased development of the progressive realisation of an inclusive education system for Ireland. It is envisaged that this system will be informed by, and aligned to, the relevant articles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), which Ireland ratified in 2018.

Two aspirational recent projects will be presented that create inclusive education campuses in Ireland and Wales. These projects deliver inspiring new schools with modern and flexible facilities, aspects of which will be enhanced significantly through co-location and sharing resources. The campus approach will also facilitate connectivity and integration between mainstream, special needs schools and the local community.

We will discuss how this particular system of inclusive schools will cater for all, delivering on the goals of the policy advice. In this shared campus context, we will consider how an inclusive system can foster a greater understanding of difference and perspectives, build greater empathy amongst young people, and help develop a more inclusive society.