Abstract

GARCIA CEDILLO, Ismael et al. International terminology on inclusive education. Rev. Actual. Investig. Educ [online]. 2013, vol.13, n.1, pp.182-211. ISSN 1409-4703.

Inclusive education has gradually become a priority in most educational systems in the world. Even though there is a common terminology, there seems to be little agreement regarding the meaning of core terms. The present study identified two theoretical perspectives to address inclusive education, one holds moderate goals taking into consideration local conditions; the other holds more ambitious goals, seeking the transformation of the school system. We herein report the responses of 37 professionals from 15 countries to a survey on core concepts such as disability, inclusive education, special educational needs and barriers for learning and participation. The survey also asked participants to evaluate the usefulness and relationship between special educational needs and barriers for learning and participation. The survey was sent via e-mail; the experts answered and returned it by the same mean. Results show a great variation in the meaning conveyed by the terms disability, special educational needs and inclusive education, with specific patterns according to the region where the respondents live: Latin America, USA and Canada, Oceania and Europe-Asia-South Africa. Moreover, results show variation in the importance conferred to the terms special educational needs and barriers for learning and participation. These results offer elements to discuss the type of inclusive education that is more appropriate for developing countries

Keywords : Inclusive Education; Educational Integration; International terminology; Disability, Special Educational Needa; Barriers for learning and participation.

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