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"As with most polarizing topics, things can get downright ugly when debating them with people who have opposing views. The concept of inclusion is no exception. I believe this is because there are different opinions on what it actually means and what it is supposed to look like. "

"The following is a list of my top 10 inclusive education blogs that I feel will be very useful for your upcoming school year (in no specific order as they are all as equally good):"

"Our students benefit from learning in an environment where they feel included and where they are taught in ways that recognise and support their needs as individuals, and as part of a learning community. Our commitment to inclusivity means we recognise and value our diverse student body. It also means we take measures to improve the success of specific groups, where research has shown that the route to educational success is less straightforward. "

"The Center for Learning and Inclusive Practices (CLIP) is a non-profit organization committed to promoting inclusive practices in education. CLIP provides professional development services and web-based instructional resources to facilitate the integration of technology as an instructional tool to eliminate barriers for special education and at-risk students, as well as for English Language Learners and economically disadvantaged students."

Why? * To increase participation and achievement for ALL students including those with significant disabilities * To position ALL students to take advantage of emerging educational technologies in inclusive learning environments. What? * The integration of interactive white boards (SMART Boards), SMART Solutions (e.g., SMART Table, SMART Document Camera, SMART Sync) and other mainstream technology (IPADS/IPODS, Nintendo DSi) with assistive technology for use during whole and small group instruction in all educational settings. The key is including ALL students using a Universal Design for Learning Toolkit (technology, traditional teaching methods,pedagogy) in their current educational setting to ensure meaningful academic and social participation. How? * By using SMART Boards and other mainstream technology as well as assistive technology to facilitate Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and Differentiated Instruction (DI) so that learning environments, opportunities and activities are accessible by diverse groups of learners. Understanding how the Participation Model can extend UDL and DI so that the learning and participation of students with the most significant learning challenges are increased and enhanced.

"We began with a parent's vision of an inclusive community for families with and without disabilities. The hope was to use technology, particularly computers, to include individuals with special needs and their typically developing peers into one classroom environment. In 2001 a fully inclusive Hope Technology School was established. Now in our tenth year, serving over 120 students, Hope Technology School has become a preschool-through-eighth-grade program including an onsite, NPA-certified Therapy Department, Vocational Education Program, and Assistive Technology (AT) Lab in Palo Alto, California. Our school includes students who are typically developing as well as students with special needs such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down syndrome, dyslexia, and other learning differences. "

How-to's, forms and supports for inclusion of SWD in regular classrooms

Great resources! "Inclusive Learning Technologies Conference 2012 Presentations"

"This course is a collection of resources aimed at supporting the educational community in the creation of learning environments that are accessible and inclusive of all learners. Original content and tutorials that support the use of accessibility tools and the concept of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) are available as well as inspirational stories that highlight the importance of material that is easily accessible to all learne"

""We All Belong" is a documentary film exploring the issues of belonging and diversity in our classrooms. It profiles real parents and the dreams and fears they share. This film is a frank discussion of civil, human, and educational rights and offers a window into best practices and the struggle families face to achieve inclusion for their children."

"Session One: Assistive Technology in an Inclusive Classroom Presented by Ian Bean Please register for this meeting. Meeting Description: REGISTER for this exciting 5 part Assisitve Technology Webinar Series!"

Joy Zabala presentation from Spectronics Inclusive technologies conference, 2012, Australia

"Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a set of principles and techniques for creating inclusive classroom instruction and accessible course materials. At its core is the assertion that all students benefit when they are given multiples ways to take in new information, express their comprehension, and become engaged in learning."

"Morgan's Wonderland, located in San Antonio, Texas, was built in the true spirit of inclusion to provide a place where all ages and abilities can come together and play in a fun and safe environment. Morgan's Wonderland, the world's first ultra-accessible family fun park, encompasses 25 acres of rides, attractions and activities for everyone, and all are welcome!"

"The mission of GPAT is to improve student achievement, productivity, independence and inclusion by enhancing educator knowledge of assistive technology and increasing student access to appropriate assistive technology devices and services. "

Michael McSheehan's project

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HelpKidzLearn is a collection of free software for young children and those with learning difficulties to play online. The software is split into five sections: * Early Years * Games and Quizzes * Stories and Songs * Creative Play * Find Out About You will get the most out of these activities if you play them together with your child. Use them as a focus for chatting. Speaking and listening is very important for young children's educational development, particularly reading and writing. HelpKidzLearn has been created by Inclusive Technology Ltd., a commercial organisation providing assistive technology and educational software. Many of the activities at HelpKidzLearn are free samples taken from our own software titles

"This Ning is brought to you by a group of Apple Distinguished Educators who focus on the inclusion of students with disabilities through the use of Apple technologies. We created this Ning network to support our "iPod Touch in the Special Needs" workshop at the CSUN 2010 Conference."