Participation healthy for all

People with physical or mental disabilities are more than a label. They are people who have aspirations, new ideas and different perspectives. They are people who do not need to be categorized as anything other than just people.

Some students have needs that cannot be met in typical classroom settings. They benefit from learning in a more specialized environment, but these children could also benefit from extracurricular activities that involve a more unified student body.

Author Bryce Courtenay insists “inclusion, not exclusion, is the key to survival.” Whether through athletics, art, theater, music or any other club, everyone should have the opportunity to be actively involved in a community.

I have witnessed the sheer joy students with disabilities show when they are acknowledged as a valuable part of the community simply by being greeted by a fellow student with a friendly smile in the hall. Introducing more programs that encourage the participation of students of all capacities into schools will help give every student a sense of belonging. Everyone, regardless of physical or mental capabilities, or any other factor outside of their control, should be able participate in a community.

Kristina Volz

Spokane