Inclusive Education

Global political commitment to inclusion

• Substantial increase in inclusion model through global policies
• 1994 Salamanca Statement- signed by 92 countries states that special needs students must have access to regular schools
• 2006 CRPD binds 161 signatories to ensure inclusion
• National Ed Act 1999 Thailand protects rights of disabled to free basic education

Teachers- Positive attitude and training

• Positive attitudes towards inclusion among teachers encourages the collaboration necessary to meet the challenges of inclusion (Australian study of 6 primary high schools 2012 )
• Teachers properly trained on inclusion strongly support its implementation (Sharma et al 2008- research supports this conclusion

Inclusion Benefits the Gen Ed Students

• Increased social and emotional skills (Staub & Peck, 1995, Allport, 1975,)
• Improved instruction to address individual needs of all students resulted in greater academic achievement for all students (Baker, Wang, & Walberg, 1995; Katz & Mirenda, 2002)

Inclusion is Beneficial to Special Needs Pop

• Academically outperform segregated students
• More likely to achieve competitive employment and independent living
• More likely to feel a part of their communities and schools
• Less likely to receive disciplinary referral
• Source Marder et al 2003,Wagner 1993

Coordinated national approach necessary

• National policy and protections to support civil right to equal education
• Properly trained teachers
• Educate public, teachers, school admin, parents about misconceptions that are harmful to people with disabilities
• Provide funding necessary for successful implementation of inclusion