There is no ideal setting nor any one right way to make inclusion happen, but planning ahead, dialogue with all concerned and honesty are key components to what works. There are no specific skills that a child must have before successful inclusion can occur. Support to staff, all students and parents and opportunities for ongoing problem solving replace prerequisites. Efforts are most likely to be successful when a coordinated, encouraging team approach is used. Teachers who develop successful inclusive settings ask for help, are willing to share the classroom with other adults, and admit it when they don't know what to do.
Educational inclusion is a journey where all are learning.
Implementing buddy systems and other successful concepts, and involving students and volunteers from the community promote the diversity needed to help all arrive together. Good principals are absolutely necessary to success because they believe that their schools exist to serve all children. The leadership of the school will set the tone. Invest in efforts that develop ownership within school and community. The plan is only as good as those invested in it.