Quality inclusive physical activity (PA) programmes have demonstrated vast benefits for individuals with (e.g.) and without disabilities. For example, among people with disabilities, PA participation is related to enhanced social inclusion, reduced risk for secondary health conditions, optimised physical functioning, and improved overall…

In contexts where inclusive education is nascent, teacher educators face the challenge of preparing pre-service teachers for a system that does not yet exist. While this might be possible through university-based coursework, difficulties arise when so few sites that model inclusive pedagogies are available for practicum placements. This article…

This study observed the extent to which teachers supported the inclusion of children with disabilities into mainstream classrooms and involved monitoring 52 mainstream preschool settings in Greece. The association between programme quality, context and teacher characteristics was also tested. Findings showed that the quality of inclusion ranged…

This research sought to examine South African teachers' attitudes toward the inclusion of learners with different abilities in their hypothetical mainstream classrooms. Participants were 93 South African teachers who responded to the Teachers' Attitudes and Expectations Scale, a measure developed for this study, regarding four vignettes depicting…

This article considers the increased identification of special educational needs in Australia's largest education system from the perspectives of senior public servants, regional directors, principals, school counsellors, classroom teachers, support class teachers, learning support teachers, and teaching assistants (n = 30). While their…

Arab countries have undertaken various measures to develop special education programmes and services over the last three decades; nevertheless, major challenges remain regarding the expansion of these programmes and services and improving their quality. "This article provides an update on disability and special education in Arab…

Autism is a developmental disability that has gained increasing attention during the past several decades in China. The two case studies presented in this article examined the perspectives of two school leaders on educating students with autism in China. Two school principals, one from a public school and one from a private school, were…

This study examined teachers' attitudes toward learners with two types of barriers to learning: a learner with attention-deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and a learner with little or no functional speech (LNFS). The results indicated that although teachers reported that the learner with ADHD would be more disruptive in class and have a…

The present study explored how cross-cultural collaboration involving university lecturers from Norway (the North) and Egypt (the South), and student-teachers from Egypt, can be an arena for facilitating student-teachers' reflection and for challenging student-teachers' preconceived beliefs and perspectives about disability and education. The…

This article highlights major developments in the education of children with intellectual disabilities in light of an early review of progress and problems and subsequent reforms to the education system as a whole. Key issues include access to the National Curriculum, prospects for inclusive education, and implications for professional…

A study examined the views of 28 teachers in Uganda about their needs for training and support regarding the tasks of teaching children with disabilities in general education classrooms. Results found that despite high teacher-pupil ratios and the lack of resources and training, many teachers had positive attitudes toward integration. (Contains…

This article, focusing primarily on England and Wales with some data references to the United Kingdom, describes the general education system, special educational provision, support services, integration, training of special educators, and challenges for the future. The impact of the Education Acts of 1981 and 1988 is also discussed. (JDD)

A study explored Palestinian teachers' (n=90) opinions on inclusion in primary schools. Fifty-four believed that students with disabilities and special needs should have an opportunity to attend public schools. Eighty-one expressed a need for change in the public schools in order to meet the needs of students with disabilities. (Contains…

This article describes an innovative action research project based at the University of Birmingham in the United Kingdom that involved the professional development of teachers and instruction using specially developed Moon tactile code materials to teach literacy to pupils who are blind and who have additional disabilities. (Contains references.)…

The Interaction with Disabled Persons Scale explored attitudes of 1,346 Australian preservice teachers to people with disabilities. The best fitting model was found to be one in which there were four factors: discomfort, sympathy, embarrassment, and vulnerability. Changes in attitudes after a one-year training course were found to be minimal.…