Inclusive education means that ALL students attend their neighborhood schools. They attend classes with their same age peers and are provided with the supports necessary for them to benefit from their educational experiences. They have a program designed to meet their individual needs. Under LRE, students are entitled to be educated with their non handicapped peers in the schools they would attend if they were not disabled. Additionally, both federal and state special education laws require that educational services be designed to meet the individual needs of the student, including the provision of supports to make that educational program successful.
State law requires that services and programs be designed to maximize the child's potential.
In other words, in order to meet each child's unique educational needs, it must be the most appropriate individualized program, service, and placement. The evidence obtained from children who have experienced true inclusive education supports this as the most appropriate way to serve students with disabling conditions. Their growth in all areas is at least equal to or exceeds that of students who remain in segregated environments. Just as important is the benefit to the on-handicapped students who have the opportunity to become friends with individuals with disabling conditions. The long-term impact on society, both financially and socially, is immeasurable.