Recently, I discovered that the word ‘inclusion’ originates from the Latin word ‘inclusionem’ which means ‘to shut in or confine’.
Initially, this felt counterintuitive as it is institutional confinement we, at Kisharon, are trying to overcome by fighting for inclusion. On contemplation, I have come to appreciate that the Latin word reflects societies in the 1500s which were small, cohesive and protected by outer walls.
Today, technology and shared ideologies have created global societies often at odds with each other. Growing fractious incidents in the UK this month show this.
Now, more than ever, we need to rebuild our communities and connect with each other. Kisharon’s mantra of viewing every life as being of equal worth and supporting everyone to feel that they belong is what is needed more generally in our fractured society. It is my view that individuals with learning disabilities are in a key position to facilitate this learning and be the glue to bind us back together.
So well done to all our services for working so hard to give individuals with learning disabilities the skills and confidence to take their place in the world, and to each of the individuals we support who live this every day. Together we will ignite the humanity in others, and inspire harmony in the world around us.
<< Back