More than a Policy or Program: Siblings’ Experience of Inclusive Education in New Brunswick

The topic of inclusive education seems to be a touchy subject these days. For us, it is a timely moment to express our deep sentiment on why inclusive education is essential for our community. This reflection feels particularly urgent today, as the narrative surrounding inclusion becomes increasingly pessimistic. This rising negativity creates a concerning impact on families like ours across the province.

“Your family is huge!”  

“That’s so many kids!”  

These were frequent statements of our childhood as the five of us tagged along with our parents to school, dance recitals, hockey practices, and piano lessons. Today, we are all navigating the world in our own unique ways in our late twenties and early thirties. The oldest of our clan, our brother, has an intellectual disability.

Each of us had the great privilege of receiving an inclusive education through New Brunswick’s public school system. We use the word “privilege” intentionally; we realize this fundamental human right is not guaranteed for all children, and the model is under threat in our province.

From elementary through high school, the five of us attended school together. Although our ages spread us across different grades, it was our norm to share teachers, hallways, and memories. It was also normal that our older brother was among us. He was a capable student, and that was never questioned. Not once did our family fathom his separation into a "special education" program or a segregated school. In our childhood naivety, we didn’t even know those options existed.

Growing up with a sibling with an intellectual disability, you only know a world with “disability” - meaning to us, he is just our older brother. Inclusion was not a foreign idea to us. Inclusive education shaped how we understood our brother’s belonging-and by extension, our own. If he didn’t belong, none of us did. We assumed we would all be at school events, attend prom, and eat in the cafeteria. When he wasn’t included, we noticed. We asked why. These questions didn't come from policy experts, but from siblings who saw their brother as a student who belonged. An education system should never teach families that some of their children belong in school while others do not.  

Inclusive Education is the reason we attended school together. Because of its effectiveness, New Brunswick has raised a generation that values diversity. Many of our peers are shocked to learn that inclusive education is not consistently realized across Canada. When we threaten inclusion, we signal to the next generation of leaders- our future nurses, engineers, and politicians- that not everyone is of equal value. What is often missing from the public narrative is the voice of those who actually lived it. Decisions are being made by adults far removed from the reality of school hallways, overlooking the perspectives of the students themselves.

To those who claim inclusive education “just doesn’t work,” we argue that for us, it was essential. While the system was not perfect, and we watched our parents advocate tirelessly to close gaps, and the results are evident today. Our community knows our brother. Whether at work, the Playhouse, or community events, he connects with former classmates and educators who know him. The idea that our brother would remain unknown to those in our community simply because he was separated in his childhood is unfathomable to us. 

We know that teachers are stretched and that our system requires the training, resources and support to ensure inclusive education works effectively for all children. New Brunswick has long been a world leader in respecting the rights of children with disabilities. Now is not the time to retreat. Rather, we must strengthen the system by providing the training and resources teachers desperately need.

Parents want to raise caring human beings. Teachers want to educate every student. Principals want to lead schools that reflect respect, dignity, and celebrate the beautiful diversity of our communities. An inclusive education is the foundation to a life of inclusion for all. 

It is essential to future generations.  

-The Pyke Siblings