A Global Symbol for Inclusive Education Handbook

Inclusion is based on the principle that everyone has the same value and should be welcome and treated with respect, regardless of gender, skin colour, ethnic background, or disability. In an inclusive educational institution, all children, pupils
and students participate in the education process. Inclusion implies adapting the education so that everyone can benefit from it and learn. Adapting the education means organising varied working methods, techniques, and teaching and learning materials . This is at the core of inclusive education. UNESCO expresses it as a process that helps to overcome barriers limiting the presence, participation,and achievement of learners.

Universal design is relevant to achieve inclusive education and training. A building is universally designed when everyone can
access it and navigate in it, regardless of a disability . This can require adaptation. The same applies to teaching and learning
materials . Some pupils need specially adapted materials, beyond universal design.

Everyone has the right to an inclusive environment and inclusive education, as established in international conventions and
declarations (see chapter 3). An inclusive educational institution transforms this right and puts it into practice. When the practice meets the requirements for inclusion, the institution can be rewarded with a visual symbol, a global symbol. Those looking for an inclusive educational institution can look for the symbol and will know that this institution is a good place for learning.

In addition to making practical adaptations, it is essential that the leadership of an educational institution promotes inclusive and accepting attitudes and inclusive practices. It is equally important that the institution has sufficient competence and is organised in such a way that inclusion is possible in daily activities.

The same principles and conditions that underpin an inclusive school can also be largely applied to kindergartens and universities. The recommendations in the handbook are therefore universal and applicable to other contexts.

This handbook provides more information about what inclusive education entails. In it you can find a practical approach to how you organise the process leading towards inclusion and what needs to be in place for the institution to achieve the goal of being inclusive. The handbook contains recommendations about tools and support functions that can be used in this process. Various implementation strategies for leadership are also included.

Finally, you will find the criteria that must be met to be rewarded with the global symbol. The project A Global Symbol is a collaboration between the RI International Commission on Technology and Accessibility (ICTA), the UNESCO Institute for Information Technologies in Education (IITE), which has also been an important partner in the process, members of the RI Global – Education Commission, where especially Ms. Seema Tuli, Director Academics/Trustee, Amar Jyoti Charitable
Trust from India has been a significant contributor in developing the handbook, user organisations in Norway, and the Secretary General at the RI Global Headquarters in New York.

June 2025, RI Global – Education Commission
Tone L. Mork, Former Chair of RI Education Commission

Download the book:

RI Global Symbol for Inclusive Education Handbook