“Nothing About Us, Without Us”: The Power of Student Voice in Inclusive Schools
- Tracey McAllister
- Aug 24
- 2 min read
Inclusion isn’t just something we do for students - it’s something we do with them. Real inclusion means giving every child no matter their background, ability, or way of communicating the chance to be heard, to shape their learning, and to belong to their school community.
What Is Student Voice?
Student voice is more than student councils or suggestion boxes. It’s about truly listening to students and using their perspectives to shape teaching, decision making, and school culture.
It’s about moving from students as participants to students as partners.
And that means every student, including those with disabilities, learning differences, neurodivergence, or non-traditional communication styles, deserves a seat at the table and a voice in the conversation.
Why It Matters in Inclusion
When we centre student voice, we
Affirm identity – Students feel seen, valued, and respected.
Build belonging – Knowing their voice matters helps students connect more deeply with their school community.
Improve engagement – Motivation grows when students have ownership over their learning.
Design better supports – Students share what works and what doesn’t, leading to more effective adjustments.
Model equity – It shows that every person, regardless of ability, has something meaningful to contribute.
Making Student Voice Truly Inclusive
Listening to students isn’t just about asking questions - it’s about creating space and using the right tools so every voice can be heard, including those who:
Use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC)
Are non-verbal or with limited speech
Are culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
Are still developing confidence in sharing their views
Practical ways to embed student voice:
Use multiple forms of expression – visuals, drawing, symbols, sentence starters, voice recordings, assistive tech, or one-on-one chats.
Involve students in planning their adjustments or goals – ask what helps, what doesn’t, and what they’d like to try.
Offer regular check-ins – not just when there’s a problem.
Make decisions together – co-create routines, expectations, and even lesson ideas.
Celebrate diverse leadership – open up opportunities beyond the usual roles, like mentoring, peer support, or creative leadership.
Shifting Our Mindset
Sometimes we hesitate to invite student voice: What if they don’t know what to say? What if they ask for something I can’t give?
But inclusion isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about creating the space, scaffolding communication, and showing students that their voice matters.
Every learner has something meaningful to share. And when we listen, we build trust, belonging, and stronger classrooms.
The Message Every Student Should Hear
You belong here.
Your voice matters.
And you help make our school.
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