You Need
Inclusion is a state of mind..." Isobel Calder, Conference ChairJust over 800 people from 74 countries gathered at ISEC, the Inclusive and Supportive Education Congress that took place from 1st – 4th August 2005 in Glasgow, Scotland.
"Well, we all have different needs, don't we?" PACE Youth Theatre group
Here was a chance for people involved in inclusive and supportive education around the world to hear about best practice and new ideas, and share knowledge and information. It was also an opportunity to take stock of progress made since ISEC 2000 in Manchester, England, and to gain inspiration for the future; a way to meet others with the same aspirations and aims, to expand and consolidate networks around the world.
HRH the Princess Royal opened the conference with a review of the inclusion agenda and an inspirational look to the future. She pointed out that the issues of inclusion in different cultures are often the same; some groups are often left out, for example girls, those in care or those with special needs. Although this creates a series of challenges, the underlying issues are the same; we need to get children to want to be included and to enable those who are marginalised to take part.
"Good friendship, good dialogue, good memories..." HRH the Princess Royal
ISEC was an ideal source of inspiration and motivation for educators to find ways of doing this more effectively, providing a forum for understanding the principles and practices of developing educational systems that include all students, whatever their age and their need for support.
Martin Littler of Inclusive Technology introduces Dr Chen's keynote speech
HRH the Princess Royal also pointed to the importance of technology – not just as a tool for achieving inclusion, but also as a means for educators to share and network even after the Congress is over...
For further information see: http://www.isec2005.org.uk/
Also see our picture gallery