Many students are overwhelmed with the idea of school and how they are going to function in the educational setting. Multiply this overwhelming feeling by several times and that is how a student with a disability feels. This is why we need to have inclusion programs at all different levels of education. I personally think inclusion is a good idea and has benefited me personally throughout my educational career.

I believe the students themselves should be able to choose what services they need in order to succeed on their own. The ability to make one’s own choices is a sign of independence. Is that not the goal of someone who has a disability? In order for this to become a reality, the school needs to offer a wide variety of services to students with disabilities.

First and foremost, a school needs to be accessible. A student with a disability should be able to have access to everything in the school and around the buildings. School administrators need to invest time and money into making the buildings accessible. A ramp needs to be present in front of every building and properly working automatic doors need to be available for use at all times. If buildings are accessible or the resources are available for use, then the student can be independent and function on their own.

Secondly, if possible, choices need to be put in the student’s hands, especially during secondary education. Giving students the choice of what he or she needs is a good way for them to learn to be independent. I personally have enjoyed this experience. I do not like to be told what to do and what I need to have. Making these decisions myself, I have learned to be independent. Students who are independent are more willing to try other activities on college campuses. This in turn will add to the diversity of the campus. People with disabilities have great ideas that may be unique from those students who are not disabled. Those who direct activities need to make sure that they can accommodate everyone. Nobody wants to be left out.

Giving students with disabilities all the resources they need to succeed is a must for all schools. From experience I have done much better in academics and mobility knowing I have the resources to succeed. If a student does not have the resources to do something, then there is no excuse for the exclusion from participation.

Finally, colleges should make it a priority to make resources available to help all of their students. If this is accomplished campuses will become more diversified, which is a main goal of most colleges. Independence through inclusion is a great way to accomplish this goal.