Comorbidity

The likelihood of experiencing additional disabilities, impediments, and disorders over and above a primary developmental disability.

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Differentiation

In education, to recognize difference and utilize strategies that bring forth different ways of learning that enhance the strengths and challenge the weaknesses each student.

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Disability

A mental of physical condition that impedes or even disallows a person to move, engage in certain functions, or make use of their senses.

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Diversity

The presence of a wide range of human qualities and attributes within a group, organization, or society. The dimensions of diversity include, but are not limited to, ancestry, culture, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, language, physical and intellectual ability, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, and socio-economic status.

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Equity

A condition or state of fair, inclusive, and respectful treatment of all people. Equity does not mean treating people the same without regard for individual differences.

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Exclusion

In education, to deny someone access to learning in some way or remove them from a classroom or educational experience. 

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"General" Education Class

A program of education intended to bring forth the knowledge and skills to the majority of students who do not possess a profound impediment of any kind.

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Inclusion

In education, incorporating students of all backgrounds, regardless of special need, race, ethnicity, religion, culture, and the like.

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Inclusive Education

Education that is based on the principles of acceptance and inclusion of all students. Students see themselves reflected in their curriculum, their physical surroundings, and the broader environment, in which diversity is honoured and all individuals are respected.

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Integration

In education, combining students of similar backgrounds, into a specific classroom.  Although, this classroom is still not fully inclusive.

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Invisible Disabilities

Hidden neurological conditions that present significant challenges to learning, interacting with others, and regulating mood and thinking patterns that typically interfere with daily living activities. Examples include Asperger syndrome/ASD, learning disabilities, psychiatric illnesses, ADD, and so on (Maxam & Henderson, 2013).

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Mainstreaming

A term used interchangeably with inclusion.

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Segregation

In education, setting an individual aside based on background or personal or educational need.

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"Special" Education Class

In education, a classroom specific to children with specific needs, ranging from mental to physical disabilities, impediments, and difficulties.

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Special Need

In education, a particular requirement of attention or assistance needed for a students based upon mental or physical disabilities, impediments, and difficulties.

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Universal Design for Learning (UDL)

A set of principles for curriculum development that give all individuals equal opportunities to learn. UDL provides a blueprint for creating instructional goals, methods, materials, and assessments that work for everyone—not a single, one-size-fits-all solution, but rather flexible approaches that can be customized and adjusted for individual needs (Maxam & Henderson, 2013).