Richard Hogan: Breaking down the barriers of prejudice in education

We have a long way to go before we really start to celebrate difference and disability in this country

We need to celebrate those of us who are not as able as others so we can teach them how to speak more positively to themselves about who they are and what their potential is.

When I was in primary school, dyslexia disrupted my education. It made me feel different and, at times, stupid. Today, as I write this, I am hurtling over the Atlantic towards America. In 2020 I was awarded a Fulbright scholarship. My research explores how we can better promote inclusion in the modern classroom. I certainly felt excluded at times over the course of my education, and it is that child in me that drives me in this pursuit for inclusion. Over the years, I have seen how students can really feel excluded, scapegoated and fail to thrive in the educational system. 

It’s hard to express what I want to say about inclusion because it is such a complicated issue and so many people today are still marginalised in our progressive society. We hear a lot of talk about it, but often we lack a clear plan in how to include those left behind because of disability, learning difficulty, class or gender, etc. Last week, I wrote about pride week and the importance of teaching our children to be proud of themselves. We must put the same effort into celebrating those less able in our society. Often society's limiting view can have a disabling impact on a disabled person.