Inclusion, Disability and Education

This course examines issues related to the philosophy and practice of inclusive education for students with disabilities. In particular, the course traces the major stages of thinking in the development of inclusive education and the legislative changes in Greece and internationally. It provides overviews of the main theoretical influences: the medical and the social model. Complex issues, critiques and effective practices towards the inclusion of students with SEN and disabilities in the mainstream school are discussed. In this course students will have the opportunity to explore and develop further their personal philosophy towards inclusion. Also, they will learn tools for curriculum design (differentiated instruction), instructional strategies and collaboration which will help them to effectively include students with SEN and disabilities in their classrooms.

Objectives

After completing this course, students will be able to: Understand the basic characteristics of the medical and social model of disability Contribute to discussions on issues relating to disability by critically presenting their personal theories on disability Understand the value of early intervention and its basic characteristics Understand the differences between inclusion and integration Describe the different models of inclusion and understand their value for students with disabilities Discuss the necessity of inclusion for students and their families Describe the models of co-teaching and the roles and responsibilities of co-teachers in the inclusive classroom Describe the models of multidisciplinary collaboration and the roles and responsibilities of professionals Understand the basic principles of differentiated instruction Plan and present differentiated lessons

Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites or any expected prior knowledge for this course

Syllabus

1st unit : Understanding and managing disability 1st session: Introduction to disability 2nd session: Medical Vs Social model of disability 2nd unit: Theoretical considerations of inclusion and inclusive education 3rd & 4th sessions: Introduction to inclusion 5th session: Educational policy and inclusion 3rd unit: Inclusive practice 6th session: Early intervention and inclusion: The role of teacher in identifying and assessing students with disabilities 7th session: Models of inclusion and practical considerations 4th unit: Collaboration and inclusion 8th session: Co-teaching as a means to inclusion 9th session: Multidisciplinary collaboration as a means to inclusion 5th unit: Differentiation and inclusion 10th session: Differentiated insruction 11th & 12th sessions: The development of differentiated activities and assignment presentations 13th session: Conclusions, reflective discussions and final directions for exams