Nearly 70% of adults with intellectual disabilities have less than a high school education and only 15.5% have participated in any kind of post-secondary education.

More so, 22.5% of children with intellectual disabilities have had to leave their community to attend school, while two-thirds of school-aged children with intellectual disabilities are segregated in special classes or schools some or all of the time, or are not attending school at all.

While more teachers value inclusive education, they report that adequate in-class supports, preparation time, and teacher training are lacking.

But, over 70% of parents, whose children with intellectual disabilities are in regular classrooms report that their children are doing average or better. Inclusive education is better for all children. Children learn what they experience; inclusive education settings enable children without disabilities to learn about diversity as well as respecting and valuing all people. When children with disabilities learn alongside their peers, they are more likely to continue in education, get a job, and be included and valued in their communities.

In 2009 CACL launched a No Excuses campaign and put forward a declaration on inclusive education.

This declaration states that inclusive education:

• Fosters a culture of respect and belonging in our schools and communities for all students, including students with intellectual disabilities;
• Provides the opportunity to learn about and accept social and cultural diversity;
• Provides quality education for every student to enhance individual development and personal growth;
• Results in students with intellectual and other disabilities having a much greater chance of improved health status, being involved in their communities, completing high school and going onto post-secondary education, getting a job and having a decent income.

The No Excuses campaign included national tv, radio and newspaper ads. Watch some of the videos below.