Inclusion Edmonton Region

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Too often, we mistake presence for participation. We invite people with developmental and intellectual disabilities into rooms, have people sit at tables, and then move ahead without really making space for their thoughts, choices, or feelings. Inclusion is not measured by attendance. It is measured by whether someone is given a real way to be understood, and whether others take the time to listen. If you want to know whether someone was truly included, don’t ask if they were there. Ask if they were respected, heard, and able to influence what happened next.
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ID: A professional-looking person is talking to a support staff person. The speech bubble reads: “We involved Brian in the meeting.”
Person with intellectual disability with a thought bubble: You talked TO me for an hour.

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Real Talk Ryan Jespersen 2 likes. "Alberta Wins with Inclusive Post-Secondary Ed"

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All smiles, despite the weather. Cycling season is around the corner!

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We commend Edmonton Public Schools trustees for cancelling the proposed segregated school for autistic students.

Inclusion Edmonton Region's President, Rajesh Kumar, joined CBC Radio's Edmonton AM this morning to explain why a proposed segregated school for autistic students raised serious concerns for families, and why including students with autism or intellectual disabilities in regular classrooms in community schools, backed by the right supports, leads to stronger outcomes for students and communities alike.

Listen to the interview on our curated news page of our website here: https://inclusionalberta.org/curated-news-content/

Every child belongs in their community school — with the supports they need to succeed.

Rajesh is also a panelist in a session tomorrow about collective action at The 2026 Inclusion Alberta Family Conference, happening at the Fantasyland Hotel in Edmonton. Learn more and get tickets: https://inclusionalberta.org/2026-inclusion-alberta-family-conference/

We commend Edmonton Public Schools trustees for cancelling the proposed segregated school for autistic students.

Inclusion Edmonton Region's president, Rajesh Kumar, joined to explain why a proposed segregated school for autistic students raised serious concerns for families, and why including students with autism or intellectual disabilities in regular classrooms in community schools, backed by the right supports, leads to stronger outcomes for students and communities alike.

Listen to the interview: https://www.cbc.ca/listen/live-radio/1-17-edmonton-am/clip/16209339-why-proposed-school-autistic-students-edmonton-scrapped

Every child belongs in their community school — with the supports they need to succeed.

www.cbc.ca

Consider:

Inclusive education means all students learn together, with the support they need.

When students with intellectual disabilities are included in regular classrooms:
• They build confidence and feel a true sense of belonging
• They develop friendships and social skills
• They are supported in ways that meet their individual needs

And just as important: Other students benefit too.

They learn empathy, patience, understanding, and respect for differences.

Inclusion isn’t about placing students in a room. It’s about making sure they are valued, supported, and included in meaningful ways.

This is what inclusive classrooms can look like 💛