Special education inclusion means the participation of special education students in regular education classrooms and the provision of support services to these students. The main objective of inclusion education is that all students in a school, regardless of their strengths and weaknesses in any area, become part of the school community. Each student develops a feeling of belonging with other students, teachers, and support staff. In segregated special education, children will not learn how to function in a world without disabilities. For example, children who have a communication disability and are emotionally distressed may not communicate and may remain in a more emotionally disturbed state in segregated settings. The federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) makes it mandatory for schools to educate children with disabilities in general education classrooms.
The main advantage of inclusion in special education is that both disabled and non-disabled students come together in a bonding environment. Children learn to accept individual differences in inclusive education and this would lead to the development of new friendly relationships. Inclusion education also allows the active participation of parents in their children’s education. The law also provides that students with disabilities have the legal right to attend regular classes and receive an appropriate education in the least restrictive environment. Although the advantages are many, inclusive education creates uncertainty regarding the roles and responsibilities of regular classroom teachers and special education teachers. However, research shows that inclusive education can be made effective through a healthy collaboration between special education teachers and regular teachers. With the help of services that would be available in the health department, physical education department, occupational therapists, speech therapists, etc., the school administration can help teachers develop active lesson plans for inclusion education. Thus, schools can create a cooperative learning environment and promote socialization.
