Creator: smartboy10
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Integrating inclusivity into education and subsequently into our own learning design is of the utmost importance. In a time where there are people of all different kinds of ethnicities, backgrounds, sexualities, and even more all converging together – especially in an educational context where they are still young – it is immensely significant to make sure all learners feel comfortable and safe in the space that we are sharing. As it was said in this week’s reading, “An inclusive design begins with the understanding that every person is a learner, and every learner has the right to pursue excellence and achievement.” Because every single learner has the right to pursue achievement, that means it is the responsibility of the educator to do everything they can to help all these different learners have the best set-up to be successful in whatever context that is. For the learning activities in our own blueprint, mainly the concept of creating a group mural, in a collaborative activity it is of value to identify and then reduce potential barriers. For instance, asking students to collaborate on a mural when they likely come from very different socio-economic or cultural backgrounds – there needs to be emphasis that there is no “right way” to do something, and students can express their pasts and know that they will be met with empathy and not disinterest. This is a responsibility heavily on the educator, as they need to be the ones setting clear boundaries and reinforcing positive and open communication. In addition, art is an expensive medium to explore, and as stated before there is likely children of all different kinds of socio-economic backgrounds. To reduce potential barriers here, if any materials are not provided then required materials should be under a certain dollar amount to increase accessibility, and there should be discrete funds in place to help students who cannot afford to buy their own so that no student is without materials and feels out of place. 

Another aspect of ensuring student success is being flexible in the face of unforeseen circumstances. For example, we are currently in the throes of the COVID-19 pandemic so there needs to be some adjustments to accommodate that. Setting up a plan that includes required masks for both students and learners, reduced groups numbers, distancing of small groups, and no sharing of art materials are all ways to help students continue their creative journey while also putting relevant safety measures in place. Overall, inclusivity is about approaching situations with empathy, being flexible and creative in various approach for various types of learners, and always wanting to learn more to better help both those around you and also yourself.