Inclusive schools are schools that also provide education for children with special needs (ABK). In this school, both children with special needs or not, will study in the same class and receive the same education.Come on, find out more about inclusive schools and their advantages.
So far, some parents who have children with special needs often send their children to special schools or special schools (SLB). This is because the learning methods in SLB are designed and adapted for children with special needs.
However, SLB is not the only option for children with special needs, such as children with autism, to obtain appropriate education and lessons. Children with special needs can also receive education in inclusive schools.
What is an Inclusive School?
Inclusive schools are places where children with special needs can study together with other regular children. However, children with special needs are still accompanied by accompanying teachers during teaching and learning activities.
The learning system, teaching, curriculum, facilities and infrastructure, as well as the assessment system in inclusive schools will accommodate the needs of children with disabilities, so that they can adapt and receive the best possible education.
What are the Benefits of Inclusive Schools?
By attending inclusive schools, children with special needs will get the following benefits:
- The same rights and obligations as other regular students in the class
- Various facilities for learning and self-development, regardless of limitations
- Encouragement to be more confident
- Opportunity to learn and make friends with peers
In inclusive schools, children with special needs will be educated with other children who do not have the same limitations. In these classes, students can be trained and educated to be able to appreciate, respect, and accept each other with empathy.
Some of the Challenges Facing Inclusive Schools
The existence of inclusive education is an alternative for parents to send their children with special needs to regular schools.
However, not all regular schools can accept ABK students because inclusive education is only provided by schools that are directly appointed by the government.
Until now, the number of inclusive schools is still limited and not evenly distributed throughout Indonesia. This may be a challenge for parents and children with special needs to access adequate education.
In addition, there are still many inclusive schools that are not ready to provide inclusive education due to various obstacles and challenges which include:
- The minimum number of teaching staff or special assistant teacher staff
- Not all teachers and staff in schools understand how to teach and guide children with special needs
- There may be refusal from parents or regular students to study together with children with special needs
- Inadequate facilities, for example, limited books or other learning needs that use Braille for blind students
- Risk bullying or bullying from regular students against students with special needs
Inclusive schools may be a good choice for children with special needs in order to get the opportunity to learn, grow, and develop well, regardless of their limitations.
If you have children with special needs and plan to send them to inclusive schools, you can ask and consult a psychologist about the benefits of inclusive schools for your child's growth and development and education.