Including students with disabilities is a significant challenge for education systems everywhere. What conditions help these students feel welcome? How can teaching adapt to better support them? Different countries take very different approaches depending on their beliefs, resources, and cultures. Here's a quick look at how it varies around the world.
What models of school inclusion support students with disabilities?
Studies indicate that while some countries have implemented fully inclusive education systems, where students with disabilities learn alongside their peers in general classrooms, others continue offering specialized programs to meet their needs.
How Italy became a leader in full school inclusion
Italy was one of the first countries to push for full inclusion in schools. In 1977, it closed most special institutions鈥攅xcept those for blind and deaf students鈥攁nd moved students with disabilities into regular schools, no matter how serious their disabilities were.
A key part of this model is having a teacher in every class who is specially trained to work with different types of disabilities.
Finland's approach to school inclusion
is another country known for making school inclusion work well. Students with disabilities join regular classes whenever possible, and they get extra help based on what they need. Like Italy, Finland puts a big focus on training teachers to support all learners.
The system also stands out for how closely teachers, parents, healthcare workers, and social workers work together to help each student succeed.
Germany: A patchwork approach to inclusion
Germany's approach to school inclusion is notably varied. Until 2009, the country maintained a strong tradition of specialized schools for students with disabilities.
Following the ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), the proportion of students with disabilities attending mainstream schools increased significantly鈥攆rom 18.8% in 2008 to nearly 43.9% in recent years.
However, because Germany's 16 federal states (L盲nder) each manage their own education systems, regional differences remain substantial. Some states, particularly Bavaria and Baden-W眉rttemberg, continue to rely more heavily on specialized schools than on inclusive models.
Inclusive education in the United States: A continuum of support
The mandates that students with disabilities in the United States receive a 鈥渇ree appropriate public education鈥� in the 鈥溾�� appropriate to their needs.
This principle is realized by placing students in mainstream classrooms to the greatest extent possible while offering a continuum of alternative placements based on individual circumstances, including homeschooling as the most restrictive option.
In the , most students with disabilities spent at least 80% of their school day in general education settings.
Japan: A dual-track system
Japan is gradually reforming its education system but continues to follow a largely .
Students with severe disabilities typically attend specialized schools, known as Tokubetsu Shien Gakk艒, while students with milder disabilities may be integrated into mainstream classrooms with appropriate support. These supported classes often include students with conditions such as ADHD and similar learning or behavioral needs.
Key tools for including students with disabilities
Specialized teachers
Teacher training plays a key role in successful inclusion. In Finland, for example, all teachers receive basic training in differentiated education to support students with special needs.
In many education systems, specialized certification is required to work with these students. In France, for instance, teachers must earn the CAPPEI (Professional Certificate in Inclusive School Practices).
Individualized Education Plans (IEPs)
Students with disabilities are typically supported through Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), which define learning objectives, teaching strategies, and necessary accommodations. Common accommodations include flexible schedules, exemptions from or substitutions for certain activities, extended time for assignments and tests and adapted materials, such as larger fonts, simplified texts, or clearer layouts. IEPs are usually developed in collaboration with parents, educators, and healthcare professionals.
Adapted facilities and assistive technologies
Technology is a powerful tool for inclusion. Tablets, adapted software, and other digital resources help students participate fully in learning.
Physical and technical accommodations may include wheelchair ramps, elevators, specialized signage, and accessible restrooms.
Remaining challenges for truly inclusive education
Persistent achievement gaps
Despite progress in many countries, major challenges remain. A 鈥攔eflecting trends seen more widely鈥攕hows that achievement gaps between students with and without disabilities remain wide and persistent.
Graduation rates for students with disabilities are lower, while dropout rates are higher.
Lack of trained personnel
Many teachers still feel unprepared to meet the diverse needs of their students. In Germany, for example, 89% of general education teachers report feeling inadequately trained for inclusive teaching.
Shortages of specialized staff are also widespread. In Italy, fewer than one in three support teachers are fully certified to work with students with special needs, even though inclusion is a national priority.
Insufficient Resources and Accommodations
Funding shortfalls and a lack of adapted teaching materials remain major barriers to inclusion.
In the United Kingdom, for instance, education budget cuts have reduced available resources, making it harder to implement appropriate support measures.
Teachers often feel unsupported in adapting their methods due to large class sizes, limited access to specialized materials, and long delays in obtaining necessary equipment.
School infrastructure is also a challenge. In Italy, for example, only one in three schools was accessible to students with reduced mobility during the 2020鈥�2021 school year, according to the national audit office.
Coordination issues between stakeholders
Effective inclusion relies on strong collaboration between educators, parents, healthcare providers, and social workers.
However, coordination is often difficult to achieve due to the number and diversity of stakeholders involved.
Regional inequalities
Differences between regions and school districts often create disparities in the services available to students with disabilities.
This is particularly evident in Germany, where each state manages its own education system. Students in rural or disadvantaged areas typically have less access to specialized resources and support.
Tips for parents relocating abroad with a child with disabilities
As seen throughout, there is often a gap between the inclusive goals of education systems and the realities on the ground. To better prepare for a move abroad, parents should:
Research the legal framework
Before investigating a specific school, check national guidelines for educating students with disabilities. These can usually be found on the Ministry of Education website in the host country.
Visit the school in person
Check whether the school has ramps, adapted restrooms, and supportive learning tools. School visits are often possible during open house events or by appointment.
Ask about the school's educational project
Each school has a mission or project document outlining its values and goals. If inclusion is mentioned explicitly鈥攚ith details on implemented measures鈥攖hat's a positive sign of genuine commitment.
Inquire about the presence of a disability coordinator
This may be a teacher or other staff member. Having a designated contact shows that the school takes inclusion seriously.
Check for support services in the school's language
Are there, for example, speech therapists who work in your child's native language? Embassies and consulates often provide lists of multilingual health professionals. This can be crucial for adequate care.
Connect with parent associations
Other parents can share real-life experiences of how schools handle disability support. Combined with the steps above, this will help form a realistic picture of how well your child will be welcomed.
