Inside Inclusion: A diary of working toward inclusion

What a delight to open Illume Learning’s 2026 Inclusive Schooling Summit with the fabulous Tim Cologon!

In our presentation, we shared what we have been learning from children and families about what inclusion really means.

Through listening closely to children, we have come to understand inclusion as belonging, participation, and being recognised as a valued contributor. One child’s words have stayed with me: “Inclusion means everyone …and I am a someone in everyone.”

Exclusion is never neutral. When children are left out, it shapes how they see themselves and their place in the world. It can make them feel invisible or as though they do not matter. Inclusion, by contrast, is how children come to know that they are valued. And importantly, children have been very clear with us: disability is not the problem. The problem is when our environments, systems, and attitudes are not yet designed for everyone. And, importantly, that is something we can change.

A central message in our presentation was the importance of truly listening to children. For too long, adults have made decisions on behalf of children without meaningfully including them. Yet children have strong, thoughtful perspectives about fairness, belonging, and what needs to change. What children ask of us is not just to listen, but to take them seriously and to ensure their ideas have influence and lead to action.

If there is one message I hope schools take from our presentation, it is this: broaden what counts as listening, and then act on what children share. When children see that their voices lead to change, trust grows, and they begin to see themselves as contributors and changemakers.

Children notice when things are not fair, but they also imagine how things could be better. If we have the courage to truly listen and to respond, we have the opportunity to create schools and communities where everyone genuinely belongs.

Thank you, Tim, for undertaking this important research with me. You are fabulous, as the feedback during our session attests to. For example:

@ShaZiggle​​ Tim, you’re an inspiration!

@SylviaJuhas-q4n​ ​Beautiful words, Tim. Thank you.

@SylviaJuhas-q4n​ Art is so powerful. 

@anthea8070​​ Tim’s words perfectly express why inclusion and individual voices need to be heard. 

@kimnuske7544​ ​Tim – thank you for such authentic sharing! This is very powerful learning for us.

@JamesWright-b1b​​ You are doing such a great job Tim. And you are really making me think about this topic. Thank you.

@TheRealMrBee2024 ​​Already heard so much authenticity! 

@jmoran-NJ​ ​Thank you for being so clear and direct about your message. Inclusion is important! Very powerful!

@ShaZiggle​ ​BRAVO TIM!!! Thank you for valuable work and time today!

@kimnuske7544​ ​Thank you so much Kathy and Tim!!! 

@ClaireBennett-m9w ​​Yes! Inclusion is NOT an optional extra

@sarahneal1385 ​​Thank you Kathy and Tim! 

@LeanneWoodley-j6d​​ inspiring words to open this summit 

@putezkoia-hamling1042 ​​Thank you Tim and Kathy. Outstanding insights and sharing! Great way to lead our mahi for today

@Anthea Thank you to Kathy and Tim for your presentation at the Inclusive Schooling Online Summit. I absolutely loved listening to you both. Tim, you are an absolute star x

Thanks to Rachel and Amanda for inviting us to join the wonderful team of people presenting at the summit!