If you spend time with kids, you know how much they dislike being left out.  That's the goal of inclusion-to create programs and activities that are truly open to everyone.  Inclusive programs are structured so that they are accessible to those who wish to participate while recognizing that children have diverse abilities and interests.  It's important to eliminate physical and attitudinal barriers to participation and to design activities that let young people of different abilities work together.

Here are a few resources to get your program started on the path to inclusion:

The Knowledge Network Classroom Internet Library's special education home page has a listing of links to information on specific disabilities, inclusion resources, and other information that can be useful to both school- and community-based programs.

Visit www.inclusion.com for books, online articles, and a free email newsletter with strategies for building inclusion into you program.