Inside Inclusion: A diary of working toward inclusion

What an amazing day! Today Tim and I presented our research at the United Nations for World Down Syndrome Day. We shared the perspectives and ideas of children working together against loneliness.

Speaking from the Trusteeship Council Chambers, we shared what children have told us through our research. Especially children’s experiences of being left out, and the deep desire to belong.

There were 24 children aged 3 to 9 years old in our research. Many of the children, have Down syndrome. We listened to the children in ways that worked for them. We used drawing, play, movement, and art. We also used signing, writing, and communication devices. We engaged with art as a tool for listening to children in research.

What the children shared was both powerful and clear. The children want friendship, inclusion, and to feel part of everyday life. The children want to be accepted and valued Just. As. They. Are.

When the children are left out, it’s not just about missing an activity, it makes the children feel sad, alone, and as though they don’t matter. The children’s words and expressions reminded us just how deeply exclusion impacts a child’s sense of belonging, and sense of who they are in the world.

At the same time, there was so much joy and strength in what the children told us. None of the children wished to change anything about themselves and who they are. Instead, the children asked for fairness, acceptance, and to be included at school, in play, and in their communities. The children showed us that disability is a natural and positive part of being human, and that what really needs to change are the environments and attitudes that exclude them.

Today we shared the perspectives of children who experience disability across the world and reminded everyone that children are not only capable of understanding fairness, but of leading change.

As Tim said to conclude our presentation, “If we really listen to children, and take them seriously, imagine how much better the world could be”.

Image description

A photo of Tim Cologon and Kathy Cologon sitting side by side at the speakers table in the Trusteeship Council Chamber at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City.