4th meeting of the incluD-ed Network in Prague
Tue, 28/05/2013
On 17 May, the 4th meeting of the incluD-ed Network was held at the Rytmus premises in Prague. The objective of this 4th meeting was to share the latest achievements of the network and of each partner, to evaluate the network activities and to define future steps.
Each partner presented the latest achievements and the next actions to come. All participants discussed challenges encountered and listened attentively to the innovative ideas and practices in the field of inclusive education each partner carried out.
Kynnys association plans among others a DVD presenting teacher experiences in inclusive education, APF is co-organising in every French region events called « Etats Régionaux de l’inclusion” to talk about how to foster the inclusion of people with disabilities, Rytmus association organises training courses for teachers from mainstream schools and supports local authorities with knowledge and tools to foster inclusive education. Fundación ONCE is carrying out two studies on inclusion of students with disabilities in Spanish universities and a nationwide communication campaign called “Never give up”.
The next steps of the network were discussed. After analysing potential organisations and country data, each partner agreed on the amplification of the incluD-ed network with specific candidates, all with strong of experience and willing to share good practices.
The network partners agreed also on the next incluD-ed network publication which will present the methodological approach of the Local Promoting Group as a good practice. A Local Promoting Group unites a diversity of players such as local authorities, schools, NGOs, organizations of teachers, parents, and people with disabilities, universities etc. to ensure a multi-level and multi-stakeholder focus while developing a sustainable framework for inclusive education. Each partner will gather concrete examples and testimonies from their cities’ LPG to illustrate the LPG functioning and potential.
Furthermore, new possibilities of collaboration with other networks active in the field of inclusive education and disability were presented by Rytmus and the idea to launch an “International Inclusion Week” was agreed on.
For 2013-2014, the goal is to reinforce the European dimension of the network, to improve its visibility and to prepare the ground for further policy influencing on EU level. The network will participate in the conference “Young People and Mental Health: Intervention and Early Intervention in Europe” taking place on 30th of May in Brussels and in the EUSE conference “Building an Inclusive Europe through Supported Employment” on June 11th – 13th in Dublin. On both occasions the network will meet with EU representatives active in the field of inclusive education as well as representatives of the European Schoolnet, The European Agency for Special Needs Education as well as EDF.
The next incluD-ed network meeting will take place in May 2014 in Finland. It will be organised by Kynnys Ry’ (The Treshold Association) that will celebrate this year its 40th anniversary!
