Ch. 1 - Understanding Inclusion

Special education – delivering and monitoring comprehensive instruction and assessment and related services to students with learning, behavioral, emotional, physical, health or sensory disabilities. Address individual needs to insure access to all aspects of society.

Inclusion – brings students of diverse needs into schools and social institutions to provide equal opportunities and foster community. Provides fairness, not sameness, giving all students the support they need.

Principles of effective inclusion: All learners and equal access, individual strengths and challenges and diversity, Reflective practices and differentiated instruction, community and collaboration.

Least Restrictive Environment – requires schools to educate students with disabilities in general classrooms as much as possible. This is determined based on the students individual need not by the disability.

Educational services – General ed. classroom with no supportive services, general ed. Classroom with collaborative teacher assistance, general ed. Classroom with specialist assistance, general ed. Classroom with resource room, special ed. Classroom with part time in general classroom, full-time special ed. Classroom, special day school, residential school, homebound instruction, hospital or institution.

Normalization – provides students with opportunities for social interactions and experiences parallel those of individuals without disabilities
Early intervention programs reduce the likely that students will be in special ed. programs, empower families to promote their child’s development and increase the individual’s autonomy as an adult.

Civil rights cases support the rights of disabled people as citizens; it is unlawful to segregate individuals based on their abilities. IDEA mandates a free and appropriate education be provided to all students with disabilities. Individualized Education Program recognizes the needs of each student.

Inclusion benefits all students, teachers and families, promotes understanding and community and reduces negative ideas about disables individuals.

Resources:
•Boosting Inclusion in After School Activities with AT and Supplemental Services. National Center for Technology Innovation and Center for Implementing Technology in Education (2006)

•On infusing disabilities studies into the general curriculum.

•Principals of Inclusive Schools.