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inclusive education

Inclusive education is an approach to schooling that aims to ensure all students—regardless of disability, learning differences, or other needs—can learn and participate together in neighbourhood schools and regular classrooms. The goal of inclusive education is not simply placing students in the same space, but adapting teaching, environments, and supports so every student can access learning, develop relationships, and belong in the school community. This may involve accommodations, assistive technology, flexible instruction, support staff, and changes to the physical or social environment. Inclusive education recognises that barriers often arise from how systems are designed rather than from the student themselves. In British Columbia, inclusive education is supported by the duty to accommodate under the British Columbia Human Rights Code, which requires schools to remove barriers and provide reasonable supports so students with disabilities can access education on an equitable basis.