Inclusion of individuals with disabilities

MENA Dubai 2003 Abstract

Author Ayesha Saeed Husseini
Copy "Inclusion" is a recent term originated by educators such as Stainback and Stainback (1996) from the severe disabilities arena. These professionals define inclusion as the placement for all students with disabilities in general education classrooms with necessary support given within these classrooms.

Another definition refers to "inclusion" as the philosophy, process, and practice of educating students with disabilities in general education classrooms in neighbourhood schools with the supports and accommodations needed by those students (NICHCY, 1997).

The aim of this study was to focus on the views of society in general towards Inclusion of individuals with disabilities within the mainstream.

Inclusion in the educational setting, workplace as well as society in general is discussed, and results from field studies in the UAE are presented.

The study identifies whether there a difference between the views on inclusion of people who are directly involved with individuals with mental disabilities (such as their parents and siblings) and those who do not have any direct contact with individuals with mental disabilities.

The study concluded that the majority of people in the UAE who are directly in contact with individuals with disabilities did not favor inclusive settings in the educational context. However, inclusive settings were preferred in the workplace and the society in general.