Inclusive Mindset
This Inclusive Mindset Bite reminds us that true inclusion means everyone, including people with disabilities, feels a genuine sense of belonging in everyday life. An inclusive mindset values diversity, embraces neurodiversity, and recognizes that no brain type is better than another.
By listening to autistic voices, learning from their experiences, and leading with respect and flexibility, we can create communities where autistic individuals are authentically included. Together, we can model acceptance, understanding, and the belief that we are better with each other.
Estimated Time: 8 minutes
Keywords:
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Key Takeaways
- Meaningful inclusion is demonstrated when people with disabilities/differences are involved in natural, everyday activities and have opportunities to be involved in ways similar to their peers who do not have a disability.
- An inclusive mindset is a way of thinking and behaving that embraces and values diversity, and seeks to ensure that every individual feels a genuine sense of belonging.
- Neurodiversity is the idea that all brains function differently and, as a result, people experience the world in different ways.
- Embracing Neurodiversity is the normalization of brain differences, a shift in focus from deficits to strengths, and the belief that all people have a valuable place in their community.
Resources
Videos:
- Circle Makers
- Because of Oliver
- Forget Me Not - Full Documentary
- Q&A with Olivier Bernier About Forget Me Not
- What Inclusion Means to Me - Ruby's Rainbow
- Ruby's Story of Inclusion: The Middle School Years
- Ruby's Inclusion Story
- Why Are We Still Segregating Students?
Handouts:
- Inclusion Research Fact Sheet
- Inclusive Education Fast Facts
- Transcript- Episode 47 Two Legal Cases that Changed Inclusion Forever
- Inclusive Thinking Podcast Episode 47 Handout (Two Legal Cases Changing IEPs)
- Transition to an Equity Lens
- 101 Ways to Inspire Inclusion - Paula Kluth
- Language That Lifts: Simple Shifts
- Definition of Inclusion
- Five Ways to Turn Line Makers into Circle Makers
- Five Ways to Become a Circle Maker
- 22 Ways to Respond to Phrases Like ... "Inclusion is not Fair to the Other Students ... "
Reading List:
- Don't We Already Do Inclusion 100 Ways to Improve Inclusive Schools (Paula Kluth)
- The Way to Inclusion: How Leaders Create Schools Where Every Student Belongs
Websites:
Podcasts:
Page last modified June 24, 2026