Practices in Inclusive Settings at K-12 Classrooms and Higher Education in USA

Abstract

This chapter focuses on inclusion of students with disabilities in educational settings as practiced in the USA. It discusses federal legislation such as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act that has been instrumental in heralding inclusion in the USA. The K-12 schools and institutions of higher education include in their programs students with various disabilities such as learning disability and autism. Some of the inclusion strategies implemented in K-12 settings are Individualized Education Plans, Section 504 Plans, and Universal Design for Learning. In higher education, efforts have been made to remove structural barriers, provide testing accommodations, instructional accommodations, modify policies, provide online class materials, allow service animals and emotional support animals on campus. For students with intellectual disabilities, Think College, a recent option to inclusive higher education, has been picking up momentum. Despite all efforts, inclusion in education has barriers that need to be addressed for the benefit of all.