Issue Number 23 | March 2024
Inclusion Ambassadors !
Written by Eve Millar , S6
My name is Eve and I ’ m an Inclusion Ambassador . I am part of a National Group of Inclusion Ambassadors , a group of secondary aged children representing 17 local authorities in Scotland . I have been an ambassador for just over two years and absolutely love what we do ! I was asked to be an ambassador for South Ayrshire after the previous one left school , as its important to include someone who is currently a student studying at a high school level in South Ayrshire . I have been involved in various initiatives in my role as Ambassador . We share our findings with the Scottish Government , including our experiences of the support we receive as everyone in the group has some form of a learning barrier . For me , it is a visual impairment , and having the safe space to share my experiences and views and to hear about the barriers and support received by others who also have Additional Support Needs ( ASN ) has been both inspiring and eye-opening . Each area and individual school support those with ASN in many different ways , which is interesting to learn about . Having a space where people who truly understand what we go through , and to be entirely non-judgmental to what others face , has been brilliant for me . We are able to talk freely about what works for us and what the government and local authorities can do to better support those who are living with an ASN Need in Scotland . Most recently I took part in the Success Looks Different Awards . Our group started these awards in 2022 to encourage schools to be more inclusive in their practices and to highlight that success isn ’ t always measured by exams or academic success . It allows schools to demonstrate how they help pupils who have ASN Needs to feel included , supported and celebrated by those around them . The awards are judged by a group of ambassadors and are judged on the following things :
• Creativity
• Sharing success with the wider community such as parents or on social media
• Respecting and promoting children ’ s rights
• Recognition through awards or certificates
I was proud to see Wallacetown Early Years Centre in South Ayrshire recognised as a runner up in the Early Years category . It means a lot to me to be an ambassador for inclusion as I know how much our work helps both individuals and our government to see what we need to succeed , and to be the best version of ourselves for future employers and further academic studies such as college or university .
For me , I hope to leave school at the end of this academic year to study Broadcast Production : TV and Radio at the University of the West of Scotland . I am only able to have dreams like these because of the support I have received , and it has been great being able to share the positives of what I receive . Having the group of Inclusion Ambassadors to talk to has been a huge lifesaver as it proves that I am not alone , which is honestly something I have felt quite a bit throughout my time at school . I want to do all I can
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