Inclusive education in Nova Scotia

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Every student belongs.

Inclusive education means students learn alongside their peers, participate in school life, and have the support they need to learn and contribute.

 

For students with intellectual disabilities, inclusion is about more than attending school. It means being known, valued and supported as a member of the school community.

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Inclusion Nova Scotia supports families to lead as we work together to advance the rights and full inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities. In education, this means keeping the student's strengths, voice, relationships and future at the centre.

 

Read our Inclusive Education Position Statement (PDF)

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What inclusive education means

Our position is grounded in Article 24 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which recognizes the right to inclusive education.

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Inclusive education happens when:

• Students learn with their peers in their local school and receive support that responds to their individual needs.

• Learning is accessible, with accommodations and changes to teaching or curriculum when needed.

• Students have meaningful opportunities to contribute, develop friendships and feel that they belong.

• Inclusion extends to clubs, recreation, field trips and other parts of school life.

• Students and families are partners in planning and problem solving.

• Teachers have the resources, collaboration and support they need to teach all students.

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Inclusive education is important throughout life, from early childhood to further education and adult learning. Learning and growing alongside peers helps build a foundation for relationships, employment and community participation.

 

What inclusion is not

Being in the same building is not enough.

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Grouping students together because of disability, offering the same support to everyone without considering individual needs, or leaving students out of learning and school activities does not reflect Inclusion Nova Scotia's position on inclusive education.

The focus must remain on meaningful learning, participation, relationships and belonging.

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Supporting students and families

Students bring their own strengths, interests, ways of communicating and hopes for the future. Their voices matter in decisions about their education. Families bring important knowledge and experience. Strong, consistent communication between home and school helps people work together toward the student's goals.

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Inclusion Nova Scotia can help students and families explore possibilities, understand their options, prepare for planning conversations, and advocate for meaningful inclusion. Our role is to walk alongside people and families, not to make school decisions or provide legal advice.

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Learn about individual and Family Support.

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Education In Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia's Inclusive Education Policy has been in effect since September 2020. Its guiding principles address full day instruction, learning with peers of a similar age in community schools, student voice, belonging and individualized support. The policy allows flexibility based on each student's strengths and challenges.

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Families can ask the school about the Program Planning Process and the supports available to their child. The process brings people together to plan learning opportunities and supports. Students and families have important roles in planning and decision making.

When exclusion happens

Exclusion can include being sent home early, being asked to stay home, missing classroom activities or field trips, or not having the support needed to participate.

If you have concerns, Inclusion Nova Scotia can help you understand your options and prepare for conversations with the school.

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Families can also document experiences through the National Exclusion Tracker. You can submit a report each time exclusion happens. The Tracker gathers information to support reporting and advocacy. Contact Inclusion Nova Scotia separately if you are looking for information or individual support.

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Report an experience of exclusion

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Read Inclusion Nova Scotia findings from the National Exclusion Tracker​