In Response to the Annual International Day of Persons with Disabilities: Please Support Inclusive Education - Taking the Initiative, Engaging in Interaction, Seeking the Common Good
In response to the annual International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the Ministry of Education (MOE) launched a 90-second “inclusive education” animation film. Inclusive education is an important key point for all learners, including students with disabilities, to obtain a high-quality education. It is also an important key point for developing an inclusive, peaceful and just society. Through watching this film, teachers, students and parents can gain a better understanding of inclusive education, understand the differences between students, and jointly create an environment that best meets the learning needs of all students.
The inclusive education animation film launched by the MOE is based on students' daily life and school life, showing the different characteristics of classmates. There is Xiao-Mei who is very good at playing the piano, Ting-Ting who is very patient in studying magic cubes, and An-An who often does not understand what the teacher is teaching but is good at drawing. Also, you can meet Ah-Han who has mobility impairments, and Zhi-Qiang who is eager to help others; they are not only the best partners, but also often help and learn from each other. The students in the class care about each other and appreciate the differences between each other.
Inclusive education is based on the spirit of "equal rights to education". Its meaning is to allow students with disabilities to integrate into the school and learn and grow together with other students. Special education students in school classes have special needs and need adequate support systems, just like people with poor eyesight need to wear glasses to assist their vision, or people with limited mobility need crutches, wheelchairs or barrier-free ramps, and people with mental disabilities need to be provided with easy-to-read and understandable information. In addition, teachers also need to adjust the teaching plan and content according to the needs of students in the area of support services, such as educational auxiliary devices, appropriate teaching materials, personnel assistance in learning and living, access to campus and an individualized education program (IEP), so that every student can develop appropriately and become talented.
Article 24 (Education) of The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) states: "In order to recognize the right of persons with disabilities to education, and with a view to realizing this right without discrimination and on the basis of equal opportunity, all governments shall ensure an inclusive education system at all levels. " Inclusive education emphasizes the provision of fair and participatory learning for every student, with support, reasonable adjustments and early intervention, so that all learners can realize their potential. Since “The Special Education Act” was enacted in Taiwan in 1984, special education has gradually improved the special education support systems of schools at all levels. At present, nearly 90% of students with disabilities are studying in regular classes, and Taiwan’s special education has gradually developed features of diverse inclusion.
Inclusive education emphasizes respecting individual differences and learning to appreciate the characteristics of others around you. In response to the annual International Day of Persons with Disabilities, and to help the public better understand "inclusive education", the MOE has launched a 90-second inclusive education animation film, hoping that everyone can work together to create an inclusive and friendly environment by taking the initiative, engaging in interaction, and seeking the common good.
The link to the MOE inclusive education animation film:https://youtu.be/rs77sjQj1_I