According to UNICEF, there are an estimated 240 million children with disabilities around the world. Like their peers without disabilities, children with disabilities have ambitions and dreams for their future and need quality education to develop their skills and realize their full potential. However, children with disabilities face persistent barriers to education that stem from discrimination, stigma, and a lack of policies and practices that include them in school services.

UNICEF states that inclusive education “is the most effective way to give all children a fair chance to go to school, learn, and develop the skills they need to thrive.” It means that all children with and without disabilities are in the same classrooms and schools. Inclusive education provides real learning opportunities for groups who are traditionally excluded – including children with disabilities.

NIDILRR supports inclusive education for children with disabilities and, in the last 40+ years, has funded research and development in this area. NARIC staff searched REHABDATA and found over 50 NIDILRR-funded articles on inclusive education. They also found over 850 articles on inclusive education from elsewhere in the community, including international articles.

To learn more about your rights and responsibilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) as a child with disabilities, family, or school related to inclusive education, contact your Regional ADA Center. To learn more about inclusive education and what resources are available, contact NARIC’s information specialists.