Inclusion

Inclusion refers to the guiding principle of society whereby all people – regardless of individual characteristics such as disability, background, gender, age or religion – can participate in all areas of social life on an equal footing and as a matter of course. Unlike integration, where people with special needs are ‘adapted’ to fit into existing structures, inclusion is based on the premise that structures are designed from the outset to take account of the diversity of people’s lived experiences.

Inclusion encompasses not only access (e.g. to education, work, culture or digital services), but also active participation and involvement in shaping society. It is based on human rights principles, in particular the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN CRPD), which enshrines the right to equal participation in society and the removal of barriers.