The Inclusion Way was founded by me, Gaya Kirtley (Umapathy) in 2018.

With a BSc (Hons) in Banking & Finance, Graduate Diploma in Teaching and a Master of Education in Special Education, Inclusion & Early Intervention, I am no stranger to the diverse education systems in Victoria, Australia and abroad. Having taught in mainstream schools and special schools/special developmental schools across the state in regional Vic and overseas over the last decade or so, it became clear that inclusion was not as normal or common as I had perceived it to be. As a teacher trained in Special Education and working with children with diverse learning needs on a daily basis, I felt the unexplained desire to help create more opportunities in accessing activities outside the school environment for children with disabilities and not just within the four walls of my classroom.

These aspirations had led to the creation of The Inclusion Way. I work alongside with therapists to support children with complex needs in their homes and accessing local community spaces. I also work with primary schools around the region to advocate for inclusive education through professional development to provide a holistic approach in teaching & learning for neurodivergent children in mainstream settings. This is done by liaising with a young person’s care team, educators, leadership team, external therapists and family on a consistent basis. It was and still is exhilarating to put plans in place for young people and families, staff and students and watch them grow & adopt strategies to thrive in their day to day tasks. It really does take a village to raise a person and a team of professionals to support the person and their families across the different areas of growth.

My personal journey continues as I pursue further studies in the area of Disability Policy & Practice and continue to advocate and provide support for young people with disabilities in their school environments and local communities.

The Inclusion Way has evolved from a one woman show to a team of twenty eight dedicated and passionate individuals working together in 2024 to create more inclusive opportunities for our participants. We now provide Community Access Programs, Weekend Social Programs, Holiday Inclusion Program, After School Inclusion Program, Overnight Respite Care Services, 1:1 In Home & Capacity Building Supports, Therapy Assistance Program, Young Adults Program, Professional Development and Inclusive Learning Consultancy Services.

We recognise that barriers to accessing spaces and programs continue to exist and we take it upon ourselves to defy all odds so that our participants have equal opportunities in living their best lives possible. We also recognise that early intervention is as important as creating these opportunities. Our programs and support services therefore aim to enable our young people with disabilities develop life skills so that they can live as independently as possible.

We don’t know where this journey will take us, but we do know we want to do this together as a community, supporting each and everyone we are able to work with along the way…