Inclusion in Special Education: Models, Strategies, and Benefits

Running head: INCLUSION IN SPECIAL EDUCATION
Inclusion in special education
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1INCLUSION IN SPECIAL EDUCATION
Executive summary
The research paper aims to study early childhood inclusion in education and the various models
of inclusion applicable in the case of children with special needs. At present, a huge population
of infants, irrespective of whether they are disabled or not, play and learn together in
playschools, homes, childhood programs, crèches and so on. Children with special needs and
their families are members of a community and deserve equal rights and respect. Segregating
them or subjecting such children to discrimination could further dampen growth and
development. On the other hand, inclusive programs in learning institutions could help propel the
developmental process of such children. In the paper below, inclusion is defined and studied to
understand how it works and the advantages and disadvantages associated with it.

2INCLUSION IN SPECIAL EDUCATION
Table of Contents
Introduction:....................................................................................................................................3
Discussion:.......................................................................................................................................3
Definition of inclusion.................................................................................................................3
IDEA and federal laws regarding inclusion.................................................................................4
Federal law recommendations with regards to inclusion........................................................5
The various models of inclusion..................................................................................................5
PASS variable..........................................................................................................................5
SCREAM model......................................................................................................................7
Inclusive model for children with special needs..........................................................................8
Strategies for working with families of children with special needs...........................................9
Conclusion:......................................................................................................................................9
References:....................................................................................................................................11

3INCLUSION IN SPECIAL EDUCATION
Introduction:
In different regions around the globe, children are often discriminated against on the basis
of class, gender, ethnicity and even physical or mental disabilities. However, it must be
understood that every child should have the basic human right to feel included in the community
and receive equal opportunities to learn and grow. With regards to schools, no child should be
made to feel different simply because they have a disability and it is the responsibility of the
teachers and their peers to make the child feel included (Florian, 2010). In the case of children
with special needs, inclusive education is the need of the hour because it can create a warm,
empathetic environment for all children to learn, play and optimize their cognitive development.
A school is essentially the first interaction a child has outside of their immediate family; thus, an
inclusive education in the early childhood phase would enable a child to develop healthy and
positive relationships with other members of the society (Dyson, 2001). Children with
disabilities or special needs fall under the category of marginalized groups, and segregating them
would only alienate and isolate them further.
Discussion:
Definition of inclusion
Inclusion can be defined as the practice that embodies certain values and principles,
guaranteeing every child (including their family), irrespective of his or her ability, the right to
partake in a variety of activities, as a full member of the society (Cologon, 2013). These
activities, in turn, would facilitate the growth and development of a child. A policy of inclusion
must be implemented in the early stages of education so as to pave the way for positive