Inclusive Higher Education Accreditation Council (IHEAC)’s Post

This is one of the better articles I've read that discusses why identity-first language for disability is every bit as valid, if not more so, than person-first language. I'll admit I was trained in the person-first model during my graduate rehabilitation counseling program and was convinced it was absolutely the right way until not all that long ago. But I've learned with an identity-first lens comes cultural pride, that being "disabled" or "autistic" is how folks from those communities choose to self-identify while not having people outside those communities decide that for them. That's why I prefer to be referenced as "blind guy/dude" instead of "person with blindness" (not to mention the person-first option in this case is an impractical mouth-full). Why Person-First Language Doesn’t Always Put the Person First - Maryland Coalition of Inclusive Education (mcie.org)

Today's ponderance: Thank you Alison Wilde and Tara Brabazon AM for such an insightful discussion on how class, structures, and other societal factors can create barriers to accessing higher education. I particularly resonated with Alison’s reflections on the challenges faced by marginalised groups. As someone with a disability and from a working-class background, navigating higher education has come with countless challenges linked to my own identity including class. These challenges have also fueled my determination to create a space for myself in academiawhether that's via journals, blogs, my recent TedX talk or on this LinkedIn platform, connecting with people with similar ideologies. What makes my perspective unique is the intersection of my experiences: as a wheelchair user, as someone living with an invisible disability, and as a person with multiple marginalised identities, coming from a LGBTQIA+, working-class, mature student.... These lenses create a viewpoint that isn’t often represented in academia, at least not by anyone I know. I’m passionate about sharing these perspectives and pushing for change in how we think about inclusion, not just in education but in society as a whole. #HigherEducation #Inclusion #Diversity #DisabilityAdvocacy #RepresentationMatters https://lnkd.in/eXVH8X8Y

Inclusion begins with listening. When we truly hear our students—especially those facing challenges—we create an environment where they can not only belong, but thrive. #InclusiveEducation #StudentVoice #EmpathyInEducation #InclusionMatters #SocialEmotionalLearning #StudentSupport #EducationalLeadership #SpecialEducation

"Whilst inclusion in schools continues to improve, we stand at a point in time where the system in place to support children with Special Educational Needs or Disabilities (SEND) is on the verge of collapse as a result of ballooning demand for support & dwindling financial resources. It feels as though we are standing on the verge of another watershed moment which will define inclusion practice for the next decade." https://lnkd.in/e-ZXWgui

At Every Future Foundation, we are more than just advocates for change – we are catalysts for a future where racial equality isn't just a goal, but a lived reality for everyone. Our work is driven by a deep belief in the transformative power of education. By equipping young people and educators with the knowledge, confidence, and tools to tackle racial inequality, we empower them to become the leaders and changemakers our world desperately needs. ✊🏾 We recognise that for true progress, we must dismantle the barriers of racism that have persisted for centuries. Together, we can create a future where everyone is treated with dignity, respect, and opportunity – regardless of their race. Let’s continue working towards a world of justice, equity, and equality for all. 🌍 If you share this vision and believe in the power of education to create lasting change, get in touch with us to bring our workshops to your school or organisation. Together, we can make a difference. 💪🏽 #RacialEquity #RacialJustice #BeTheChange #EveryFutureFoundation #EducationForAll 4o mini

🫶Inclusion isn’t just a policy, it’s a practice that should be embedded into every part of our work with children and young people. 🫶 Having attended Tes SEND Show last week and St. Bart’s Multi Academy Trust SEND and Inclusion Conference yesterday, the speakers and conversations with practitioners had me thinking; in the world of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), it's crucial to create environments where every child can thrive, but how do we ensure that we’re truly inclusive? One key approach would be through trauma-informed policies. When we understand the impact of trauma on behaviour, learning, and development, we can develop strategies that encompass inclusion, creating spaces where the needs of all children are met, no matter their background or challenges. When we create environments rooted in emotional safety, trust, and strong relationships, we pave the way for meaningful inclusion. Trauma-informed practices allow us to better understand and respond to the needs of children with SEND, helping them engage fully and successfully in their learning journey. Inclusion is not a one-size-fits-all approach, and trauma-informed strategies give us the tools to see each child as a unique individual with unique needs. How is your organisation ensuring that your inclusion policies reach every child? Would your organisation benefit from working with KCA Training to help develop your policies and practices to become more trauma-informed and in turn promote and embed inclusion? If so, please drop me a message for a chat about how we may be able to help. #Inclusion #SEND #TraumaInformed #Education #InclusiveEducation #FiveToThrive #EveryChildMatters #KCATraining

🌟 Happy Children's Day! 🌟 Today, we celebrate the innocence, creativity, and boundless potential of every child. It's a day to reflect on the future we are shaping and the responsibility we have in nurturing the next generation of thinkers, leaders, and dreamers. As we look to a brighter tomorrow, let's remember the importance of: 💡 Education: Equipping children with knowledge and critical thinking skills to thrive in an ever-changing world. 🌍 Equality: Ensuring every child, regardless of background, has the opportunity to reach their full potential. 🤝 Empathy: Teaching kindness, understanding, and respect to foster a future built on collaboration. 🎨 Creativity: Encouraging imagination and creativity to solve problems and innovate. On this Children's Day, let's commit to building a world where every child is given the tools and opportunities to dream big and achieve greatness. The possibilities are endless when we invest in the potential of our youth. #ChildrensDay #FutureLeaders #EducationMatters #Empathy #Inspiration #CommunityBuilding

Where can educators, caregivers, youth, & community organizers hear from Culturally Relevant Pedagogy originator, Gloria Ladson-Billings? And engage sustainable school-based equity practices? Answer: NYU Metro Center's 2025 Equity Now Conference. Attending the Equity Now Conference is a proactive step to foster equity on behalf of many youth – Black, Indigenous, Latinx, multilingual, and those with disabilities – who still have not received equality nor equity in their educational experiences. To learn more about NYU Metro Center 2025 Equity Now Conference, here: https://bit.ly/40T3j27 #NYUMetroCenter #NYUSteinhardt #EquityNow #EquityConference #Conference #ProfessionalDevelopment #GloriaLadsonBillings #KeynoteSpeaker #EarlybirdDeadline #Registration #CulturallyResponsive #Pedagogy #schoolbased #equitybased #practices #youth #students #teachers #educators #SchoolOutcomes #SchoolTransformation #SchoolChange #Healing #Belonging #Affirming #Classrooms

Where can educators, caregivers, youth, & community organizers hear from Culturally Relevant Pedagogy originator, Gloria Ladson-Billings? And engage sustainable school-based equity practices? Answer: NYU Metro Center's 2025 Equity Now Conference. Attending the Equity Now Conference is a proactive step to foster equity on behalf of many youth – Black, Indigenous, Latinx, multilingual, and those with disabilities – who still have not received equality nor equity in their educational experiences. To learn more about NYU Metro Center 2025 Equity Now Conference, here: https://bit.ly/40T3j27 #NYUMetroCenter #NYUSteinhardt #EquityNow #EquityConference #Conference #ProfessionalDevelopment #GloriaLadsonBillings #KeynoteSpeaker #EarlybirdDeadline #Registration #CulturallyResponsive #Pedagogy #schoolbased #equitybased #practices #youth #students #teachers #educators #SchoolOutcomes #SchoolTransformation #SchoolChange #Healing #Belonging #Affirming #Classrooms

Dismantling systems of marginalization through student mobilization—isn’t it remarkable how powerful the younger generation can be? Our future truly rests in their hands. By equipping young people with critical thinking skills, we empower them to challenge and transform societies. After all, wasn’t that the essence of the movements of the 60s—a vision for a better tomorrow? For deeper insights into dismantling marginalization, consider exploring these impactful books from our discussion shared by my team Van Rountree Jr, M.Ed. and @Gil Graza: 1) How to Be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi – What does it means to actively oppose racism and how to go about this work? 2) No Pity: People with Disabilities Forging a New Civil Rights Movement by Joseph P. Shapiro – The struggles and victories of the disability rights movement and where to go from there? 3) The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin – What are the deep roots of inequality and how do we face them?