A systematic review of the roles of social workers in inclusive education for children with disabilities

Abstract

International and local communities have made commitments to ensure that children with disabilities have equal opportunities in education, just like their non-disabled counterparts. Regardless of the increasing research about the development of inclusive education for children with disabilities, inclusive education is not achieved. This calls for a focus on what other professionals, like social workers, can contribute to the successful implementation of inclusive education. A systematic review yielding 11 studies revealed that social workers perform well-known generalist practitioner roles like advocacy, collaboration, education, facilitation and provider of psychosocial support which emphasises the need to involve social workers in inclusive schools.