I Thought Society Cared About Being Inclusive. Then I Learned The Truth

The promises looked good on posters. But they collapsed when I needed them most.

A young child sitting in a classroom looking lonely. Photo by RDNE Stock project and licensed under Creative Commons.

“In this school,” my teacher said, tapping the poster above the whiteboard, “everyone belongs.”

I nodded, half listening.

“No matter your background. No matter your ability. We call that inclusion.”

Then she added, “But you won’t be able to join gym class until we’re sure you won’t fall.”

I looked up.

“Fall? Everyone falls.” I let out a short laugh. “That’s just being a kid.”

She closed the folder. “Your report says you have dyspraxia. You stumble more than others. The risk is higher.” She turned back to her papers.

“So what happens now?” I asked.

“Find a seat when you get to the gym. Watch from the sidelines and don’t take part.”

I looked at her, then at the poster above the board. Everyone belongs. The words were still there in bright letters, taped too high for anyone to touch. And from my desk, I already knew I couldn’t.

One Saturday, Mom let me carry the tray of coffees from the café counter to our table. The cardboard bent in the…