I have a dream I would like to share with you. On second thought, it’s not actually a dream. It’s a vision that stems from a deep longing. I am a neurodivergent individual, a survivor of complex brain surgery. I am also a parent of children with neurodiversity – including autism, ADHD, auditory and sensory processing disorders, dyslexia, Irlen syndrome, and more.

Our family has spent many years struggling with non-inclusive or semi-inclusive educational settings and communities. It has been challenging. Despite this, I have tremendous faith that society can become more inclusive and welcoming through awareness and understanding.

My vision is of a society that celebrates everyone’s uniqueness. It’s a society where people realize that we are all divine individuals, each with a particular task to carry out in the world. Differences such as race, religion, physical and cognitive abilities, and socio-economic status are recognized and appreciated. Everyone understands that people have differing abilities, and they do their best to make the accommodations necessary to ensure equity and opportunity for all.

Does this sound utopian? Absolutely. But can we do something to make it more of a reality than it is today? I believe so; if we all do our best to listen and learn from each other and then make an effort to become as inclusive as possible. We must also provide necessary accommodations for people in need.

Clarifying the concept of “inclusion”

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