Equality Diversity Inclusion free essay sample

Diversity Diversity means to have a variety of people from all minority groups represented in the community or setting. It is understanding and valuing the differences between the individuals and groups in the community and respecting their needs. Therefore, diversity is the ability to recognize how to relate to those who are different groups from our own. These include race, class, gender, physical abilities, and sex orientation in addition to religion, educational background, geographical location, family income, and parent status (Ladson-Billing, 2001; LAS definition of diversity, 2004). Inclusion Inclusion is being a part of what everyone is, being welcomed and embraced as a member who belongs. In other words, to make others feel included. Inclusion is supporting and educating children with learning difficulties and disabilities in classrooms with children without these problems. It allows students with learning difficulties and disabilities to be educated in age-appropriate classes in their home schools along with their friends and neighbours. Whilst receiving specially designed instruction and support through individual education programs (IEPs) within the context of the core curriculum and general class activities. Inclusion is an effort to make sure they achieve high standards and succeed as learners. Inclusion gives the child or young person * an equal chance to learn and develop * participate equally in activities * the opportunity to communicate in their preferred format * the right to have their individual needs known and met * the feeling of safety and valued as an individual strength and confidence about their identity. 1. 2 Describe the potential effects of discrimination. What is discrimination? When a person is treated less well, in comparison with someone else, because of his or her racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age, sexual orientation, , gender, educational background, geographical location, family income, and parent status. Discrimination can also be based on simple hatred either b ecause of personal experience or simple stereotyping. Direct discrimination is where you are treated less favourably because of your disability than someone without a disability would be treated in the same circumstances. Indirect discrimination is where there is a rule, policy or practice which seems to apply equally to everyone, but which actually puts disabled people at an unfair disadvantage compared with people who arent disabled. Effects of discrimination: Discrimination can affect the individual, their family, the perpetrators and the whole class or school or community. The Individual: A child or young person when treated with discrimination in a educational or community setting faces many emotional and social difficulties in life. For example: Anti-social behaviour or violence towards others or themselves. Low self-esteem so this can result in withdrawal from activities. Lack of confidence and lack of interest to avoid feeling embarrassed or discriminated against. Feeling neglected and scared thus not socialising and avoiding friendship and relationships. Losing their identity and feeling inferior to their friends or class mates. Bullying either they can be a victim or can do it to others to make them feel better. Racial remarks, slurs, being called insulting names and being the target of hurtful jokes can scar the child or young person and can cause all of the above. These outcomes from discrimination might have long term effects on the child’s social, emotional and educational growth. The Family: Discrimination can affect the family socially, emotionally and financially if they are not supported by the school or setting the child is in. Emotionally and socially parents become defensive against any negative reaction to their child and are over protective. This can result in them feeling isolated, alone and paranoid whenever they take their child into the public eye. Often parents become suspicious of anyone who asks any questions about their children. Financially they might not know what benefits they are entitled to so will not enquire. The Settings: Discrimination can make an educational or any setting a difficult place for the child or young person to live in. All settings must have policies in place to deal with all forms of discrimination. The school or setting must make the child and family who are the victims feel supported at all times. They should act quickly and professionally and deal with discrimination as per government guidelines. The Perpetrators: The effects on the perpetrators can be both positive and negative depending on the reason they discriminated. Mostly people discriminate because they don’t understand why that child or young person is different and can’t deal with the difference. If the perpetrator is a child or young person then they could be dealt with through the settings procedures e. . spoken to by a grown up, parents informed, detention, suspension or even exclusion depending on the level of discrimination. This could affect the emotional and social behavior and either make them have a positive or negative attitude towards the victim. 1. 3 Explain how inclusive practice promotes equality and supports diversity. Inclusive practice is allowing children or young people with learning difficulties or a disability to be a part of a setting which has children with no disabilities or difficulties. Equality Inclusion is important because it promotes equality and high achievement for all children, young people, families and the community. This is achieved: * By encouraging the development of more flexible attitudes, policies and everyday practices. * Talking and educating children, young people, their families and the community about all the other cultures around. Diversity The attitudes of young children towards diversity are affected by the behaviour of adults around and children and families using the setting but inclusion policies and practices allow them to be valued and welcomed. Inclusion helps to change attitudes and behaviour towards the diverse group of people in the community. * Inclusive settings support diversity by uniting, educating and allowing the community to integrate with each other so groups understand and respect individual needs be it religious, cultural, physical, mental etc. * Helping the children to see the differences in a positive way as interesting and enriching to all our lives, through play, educational visits and celebrating different festivals. It is very important to have inclusive practice in all children and young people’s settings.