What does the term "inclusion" refer to in special education?

The term "inclusion" in special education specifically refers to the practice of educating students with disabilities alongside their non-disabled peers in mainstream classrooms. This approach emphasizes the importance of creating an environment where students of all abilities can learn together, fostering collaboration, social interaction, and mutual respect.

Inclusion promotes the idea that all students have the right to participate in general education settings with appropriate supports and services tailored to meet their individual needs. This method not only benefits students with disabilities by providing them with opportunities to engage with their peers and mainstream curriculum but also enriches the educational experience for all students, as they learn to appreciate diversity and develop empathy.

The other concepts mentioned, such as segregation or specialized schools, do not align with the principles of inclusion because they separate students with disabilities from their peers, which is contrary to the goal of promoting interaction and integration in the educational setting.