Inclusion Then and Now
1928: Sexual Sterilization Act was introduced in Alberta.
This Legislative Act allowed and promoted the surgical sterilization of “mental
defectives.” People under this title included individuals with developmental or
cognitive disabilities, single mothers, immigrants, First Nations and Metis
Peoples, etc. (Lang, 2012).
Sterilizations promoted under this Act took place at the Michener Center in Red
Deer, AB as well as in other locations. The attached video shares one woman’s
story about her time spent at the Michener Center (See Below!).
1972: Sexual Sterilization Act was removed from Legislature
1978: Following the Carriere Case, a ruling was made by the Honorable Justice M J O’Byrne stating that, “it is the responsibility of the local school jurisdiction to provide an educational program for ALL children." (Alberta Teachers Association, 2010).
1988: Revisions were made to the School Act, Section 8(1)(a), stating that, “Every individual who at September 1 in a year is six years of age or older and younger than 19 years of age is entitled to have access in that school year to an education program in accordance with this Act" (Alberta Education, 2011, p. 18).
2010: “Inclusion was identified as part of the government’s Inspiring Action on Education initiative, and Setting the Direction was renamed Action on Inclusion to signal implementation of an inclusive education system" (Government of Alberta, 2008).
These are only some of the important dates in recent history that have played a part in Alberta’s movement towards inclusive education. Judging by the events taking place in 1928, it would seem that we have come quite a long way in the area of inclusion. However, can we accurately say that all Alberta schools are truly inclusive?
1972: Sexual Sterilization Act was removed from Legislature
1978: Following the Carriere Case, a ruling was made by the Honorable Justice M J O’Byrne stating that, “it is the responsibility of the local school jurisdiction to provide an educational program for ALL children." (Alberta Teachers Association, 2010).
1988: Revisions were made to the School Act, Section 8(1)(a), stating that, “Every individual who at September 1 in a year is six years of age or older and younger than 19 years of age is entitled to have access in that school year to an education program in accordance with this Act" (Alberta Education, 2011, p. 18).
2010: “Inclusion was identified as part of the government’s Inspiring Action on Education initiative, and Setting the Direction was renamed Action on Inclusion to signal implementation of an inclusive education system" (Government of Alberta, 2008).
These are only some of the important dates in recent history that have played a part in Alberta’s movement towards inclusive education. Judging by the events taking place in 1928, it would seem that we have come quite a long way in the area of inclusion. However, can we accurately say that all Alberta schools are truly inclusive?