What does Inclusion Mean to Me?

Inclusion is my first meeting with a very well dressed principal promising me that he will "make it work," while lying on the sidewalk beside my unhappy son. Inclusion is my son's classmate coming over and with the timing of a seasoned therapist and the love of a friend teaching him how to play. Inclusion will only succeed when teachers feel supported and never feel alone. Inclusion works best when there is no easy alternative- no place for the child to be moved to. Inclusion takes advantage of natural supports which develop when a child is placed with his peers. Inclusion means that his teachers do not demand that he change before they teach him. Inclusion means his teachers are willing to learn from him. Inclusion is a place where acceptance is so universal it defies definition. Inclusion is a place where every child is fully involved and has no limits places on what they can learn or who they can be. How many of you have found inclusive classrooms for your children? What does the chance to be with typical peers mean to you?