The terms mainstreaming and inclusion are often used interchangeably in education today. This inconsistency in usage has led to some confusion about what educators mean when they talk about inclusion or full inclusion. Mainstreaming is the practice of educating the disabled student in the general education classroom. Inclusion is a newer term used to describe the placement of students in regular classes for all or nearly all of the school day; mainstreaming is often associated with sending a student from a special education class to a regular class for specified periods. Although in some inclusion models students are mainstreamed only part of the day, students in full inclusion programs remain in the general classroom for the entire day.
Why is inclusion important?.
People with disabilities are our nation's largest minority. More than 49 million men, women and children of all ages, races, ethnic backgrounds, economic levels and religious affiliations have some disability, according to the latest U.S. Census.
People with disabilities have the same rights and abilities as others to pursue their lives fully. However, all too often, having a disability means being excluded from opportunities to work, study and play with others. .
The important of this issue is reflected in the results of a recent national survey. 79% of non-employed people with disabilities, aged 16 to 64, are willing and able to work, and 69% of them do not need special equipment or technology to perform effectively. Yet, they remain unemployed. .
To whom is it important?.
A recent survey of the Greater Cincinnati area indicated that one in five people identify themselves or someone with whom they live as having a disabling condition, and that almost 90% of Cincinnatians think inclusion should be a community priority. .
Inclusion is important to people at school. Inclusive educational settings provide children with disabilities the basic opportunity to participate in the classroom and extracurricular activities, to make friends and to learn with other children.