What do you do when it is obvious?

'For me, the beauty of (universal design approaches) is that an individual's impairment is not seen as a barrier but rather, the focus of how best that individual learns.'


Adams (2007) in a speech to Leeds Met.


I love this, but then I would.  Surely anyone who is involved in education of any sort would read this and think - yes, of course? This is what I am struggling with ce soir; I feel a little like I am cheating.


I am not locked in a lab somewhere frantically staring into petri dishes and happening across an amazing discovery. I am merely presenting a collection of theories and ideas that are a way of framing a concept. I personally believe that Higher Education is essential and that people shouldn't be excluded from the experience because of unnecessary barriers that are often institutional and sometimes attitudinal. However, I say this like no one else has thought this, like there is no one out there who would say they agreed, like I have discovered something on a petri dish. 


So how then does one not feel like they are in some way cheating a little bit?


I guess for me it has to come back to personal experience. Day in, day out I am presented with evidence that suggests to me in theory many may agree with the sentiment of inclusivity but they mean inclusivity for people who look, think or learn like them. It is frustrating that looking at how people learn and the diversity present in any classroom of students as brains process, hands scribble down notes, memories are stored - or not, is not something that always comes naturally to those in the business of educating. We seem to want people to learn as we do. To explain concepts as we would best understand them. To believe our way is not only the best way but the only way. Does it matter how you unscrew it as long as the lid comes off? Is it not more exciting that there are 25 different and inventive ways to free the jar? Yes, I hear you cry, yes it is OBVIOUS.


It is rather isn't it.