SENIA’s Commitment to Inclusion & Advocacy

A Message from the SENIA Board of Directors

When SENIA was founded in 2002 by a small group of passionate educators in Beijing, China, they created a logo featuring a child at its center. This design was not merely symbolic; it was a declaration of purpose. It represented their unwavering commitment to keeping every student at the heart of every decision SENIA made, ensuring that the needs and voices of students would always be prioritized.

As SENIA grew into an international organization, embracing a diverse global community, its logo evolved as well. Today, the heart symbolizes our enduring mission: to advocate fiercely for the inclusion of neurodivergent and disabled individuals in international schools and to support educators in their journey toward creating inclusive schools and classrooms where every learner feels a sense of belonging.

In today’s complex political climate, inclusion of all students has come into question and challenged. At SENIA, we remain steadfast in our belief that every learner is unique, valuable, and represents a complex and beautiful intersection of identities. We pledge to uphold our values and continue championing equity, access, and inclusion for all.

As a global organization, our commitment aligns closely with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child These conventions emphasize the rights of children with disabilities to live full, dignified lives and receive inclusive education. As Article 24 of the latter convention states, “States Parties recognize the right of persons with disabilities to education… without discrimination and on the basis of equal opportunity” (United Nations, 2006). This principle is at the core of SENIA’s mission to champion inclusion and empower our global community.

We want you to know that during challenging times in your schools—whether you are grappling with grief over the sudden departure of students or facing uncertainty about how these challenges may affect your community—SENIA is here for you. We will always be a brave space: a haven of understanding, acceptance, and collaborative problem-solving.

Together, we will continue to believe in and work toward the transformative power of inclusion—now and always.

Sincerely,

The SENIA International Board of Directors

United Nations. (2006). Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. https://www.ohchr.org/en/instruments-mechanisms/instruments/convention-rights-persons-disabilities